If you listened to my sermon on love at the weekend or online and are looking for a good way to act on it, this post will give you one idea. Spread a bit of love around- give them a gug BBC NEWS report on the health benefits of hugging ot the heart:
“Both men and women were seen to have higher levels of oxytocin after the hug.
People in loving relationships were found to have higher levels of the hormone than others.
But the study also found all women had reduced levels of cortisol following the hug, as well as reporting the blood pressure benefits.
The researchers, led by psychologist Dr Karen Grewen, wrote in Psychosomatic Medicine: ‘Greater partner support is linked to higher oxytocin levels for both men and women.
‘However, the importance of oxytocin and its potentially cardioprotective effects may be greater for women.’
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, spokesperson for the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘Scientists are increasingly interested in the possibility that positive emotions can be good for your health.
‘This study has reinforced research findings that support from a partner, in this case a hug from a loved one, can have beneficial effects on heart health.’
She added: ‘British Heart Foundation researchers have already demonstrated links between a positive emotional state, such as happiness, and low levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.”
One of the cool things about blogging is that you find other stuff out there that is related and can bring them together. This great post from Mark Larori supports the notion that feeling good is good for our health and urges we all smile at someone.
I tell you what. I will try and smile at someone on the tube tomorrow, why don’t you do so and let us know in the comments box and/or on your blog with a trackback how you got on. This could even be a new “meme”- Spend a day smiling at as many people as you can and report the results!
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