Research has revealed that when a hug lasts 20 seconds, it has a therapeutic effect on the body and mind. Really? Well, a sincere hug (lasting for at least 20 seconds) produces a neuro-chemical called Oxytocin, also called the love hormone.
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2014/feb/18hug.jpg" alt="" />
Psychiatric counselor Dr Rukshana Ayaaz says that oxytocin has several positive effects in our body and mind. &ldquo;It makes us feel safe, relaxes and calms our fears and anxiety. But for this to happen, a hug has to last long enough to cause a release of the hormones,&rdquo; she says.
This calming effect takes place each time when we have a person in our arms &mdash; be it our partner, or a child, or a pet or while dancing with our partner. It also takes place when you are closer to a person or just holding the shoulders of a friend.
Unfortunately, most of our hugs last for a few seconds (the average length of a hug is three seconds), and done mostly as a social act, which takes away its therapeutic effect. &ldquo;Besides, till now, a hug is not endeared publicly in India. It&rsquo;s thought of as a western concept,&rdquo; shares Dr Ayaaz. Perhaps it&rsquo;s time to change that. Hugs, anyone!

Having problems with your partner? Perhaps, hugging your partner for 20 seconds, might be the simplest answer

Why you should hug longer

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Why you should hug longer

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