When was the last time you had a big hug? Not today? Not yesterday? If you’re visiting relatives or meeting up with friends during the holiday season: Hug.
Touch is a human need. However, for many adults this is not done well enough.
Previously, this also applied to the smallest: parents should at most kiss the child on the forehead, shake his hand, but not hug him. It was recommended by John B. Watson, founder of the psychological school of behaviorism, almost 100 years ago. According to Watson, this is how a child grows into a resilient adult.
We now know that the opposite is true. It is not the lack of physical affection that leads to resilience, but frequent loving touch.
Thus, while today’s fathers and mothers embrace and snuggle their children, there is a lack of physical contact in our society as a whole. We keep our distance – at least after Corona.
Researchers have long proven the health benefits of regular, moderate-pressure touch, such as massage, including lower levels of aggression, lower blood pressure, fewer stress hormones, and a calmer nervous system.
By the way, rampant cold viruses are no reason to keep your distance: physical contact strengthens the immune system and thus reduces the likelihood of a cold in the first place.
So. You know what to do. Happy hugs!