Recent research has begun to explain how even something as unspectacular as daily hugging could have a positive impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Though long said to be the case, hugs make us feel better, and now science is beginning to catch up, showing just how powerful such a small act of affection can be.
How Hugs Improve Mental Health
Hugging isn't just a friendly gesture; it has emotional and biological benefits. A real hug releases oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone," which lowers stress levels and promotes feelings of safety and connection.
Being hugged by someone we love calms the nervous system, which slows down the heartbeat and decreases the production of cortisol, generally known as the stress hormone. That's why getting a hug before an interview, exam, or tough day can make stressful situations feel a little easier.
Of course, getting frequently hugged may help us not only bounce back after negative events but also potentially provide a protective shield against future emotional distress.
Study: Hugs, Depression, and Anxiety
A new study, published in the Journal of Public Health on October 25, 2025, explored the relationship between frequency of hugging, depression, and anxiety. Researchers surveyed over 3,200 adults aged 18 to 74 in Germany.
The participants completed two popular and recognized assessments of their mental health:
- Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression
- GAD-7 for Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 for anxiety
They also shared how many people they keep in touch with daily, ranging from none to 99.
Here is what the results showed.
- 25% of the people said that they never hugged anyone.
- 38% hugged one person each day.
- 31% embraced two or three people a day.
- 6% hugged four or more people each day.
Among all participants, 28% presented with signs of depression, while 22% presented with anxiety.
What the Researchers Found
Working with the data, researchers found a pattern:
Through everyday affectionate contact, people had less chance of suffering from depression and anxiety.
Regular hugs seemed to offer some protection against mental health, perhaps indicating that physical touch has a place in shielding individuals from emotional distress.
But researchers also pointed out that the study demonstrates correlation, not causation. That is, frequent hugging is associated with improved mood, but we can't conclude with certainty that hugs lower depression; it could be that happier people simply hug more.
More long-term studies are required to confirm whether hugging can actively improve one's mental health. The Takeaway Quite literally, these findings are heartwarming. Hugging daily may improve your emotional well-being and strengthen your sense of connection. So next time a loved one is looking like a ball of stress or sadness, show them a hug. Such tender care may well do just enough to lift their mood a trifle.