Hugs have proven health benefits

Hugs can lower your blood pressure

Hugs can improve your immune sytem

Hugs can relieve stress and tension

If you give really long hug, your heart rate and breathing can go in sync with the recipient

We don’t need science to tell us hugs are good

Everybody knows hugs feel good, both as a giver and receiver

So what makes a really good hug

Firstly the hug can only be given with permission of the recipient

So always ask before you hug

This can be a verbal exchange or if you know each other well just by body language

Make eye contact before you hug and approach slowly with arms open

Take a deep breath before hugging to help synchronize your breathing

Lean in close and match the pressure of the other person

A good hug should last at least 20 seconds

Release gently from the hug and make eye contact

Smile

Enjoy the benefits of a good hug

Now go out and practice

If you are alone you can hug yourself

Its ok to announce to others that you need a hug