We like tight hugs because the deep pressure they provide sends a signal of safety to our nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and calm our fight-or-flight response.
The Science Behind the Squeeze
Tight hugs provide a powerful sensation known as deep pressure. This isn't just a surface touch; it's a firm, consistent pressure that affects the receptors located deep within our skin and muscles.
How Deep Pressure Calms Us
According to research, when we squeeze each other, we provide deep pressure. Here's the breakdown of what happens next:
- Deep pressure is detected by receptors: Specialized sensory receptors throughout the body pick up this firm pressure.
- Signals safety: These receptors send a direct signal of safety to the autonomic nervous system.
- Calms the nervous system: The autonomic nervous system manages involuntary bodily functions, including our stress responses. Receiving the safety signal from deep pressure helps to regulate it.
- Reduces fight-or-flight: Specifically, this process turns down the anxiety we feel from activation of the sympathetic nerve, otherwise known as the fight or flight response.
This physiological response is why tight hugs can feel so grounding and comforting, especially when we are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. The physical act of being squeezed helps our body register a sense of security, counteracting the biological urge to flee or freeze.
Practical Benefits
Liking tight hugs is more than just a preference; it's linked to tangible benefits rooted in our nervous system:
- Reduced feelings of anxiety
- Increased sense of security and comfort
- Lowering of physiological stress indicators (like heart rate or breathing speed)
- Improved emotional regulation
In essence, the deep pressure from a tight hug acts like a gentle, natural reset button for our nervous system, fostering a feeling of calm and well-being.
