### Why Hugs Are Beneficial Even one full hug a day significantly improves psychological well-being. There is a reduction in negative thoughts and a decrease in the risk of depression by about 35%. The study involved 3,270 residents of Germany. Physical contact with a loved one sends a signal to the body to calm down: in women participating in the experiments, the level of the stress hormone cortisol decreased after hugs. ### How Many Hugs Are Enough It is logical to assume that the more hugs, the better the effect. In practice, this is not the case: * Hugs with 1–3 people a day noticeably improve mood and psychological state. * More than four hugs do not provide additional benefits. Thus, it is not worth striving to hug everyone in order to "become happier." ### Which Hugs Do Not Help Some hugs can be useless or even harmful: * Too frequent hugs turn into a formal ritual, lose emotional value, and do not lower cortisol levels. * Forced hugs may be perceived by the body as stress and have the opposite effect. The main rule: hugs should be voluntary and sincere. ### Hugs Will Not Replace Professional Help Although hugs are effective in reducing anxiety, they do not replace psychotherapy or medication. In complex psychological situations, it is important to consult specialists.