The Healing Power of Hugs: Why Everyone Needs More Touch

Hugs. Just that. Arms around someone. Simple. But incredibly powerful.

In Belgium, life can feel busy, stressful, even a little lonely. Work, traffic, endless screens… it’s easy to forget what truly matters: human connection. And that’s where hugs come in. Not just as gestures, but as medicine for the body and soul.

When we hug, our bodies release oxytocin, the “love hormone.” Stress fades, hearts feel lighter, and blood pressure drops. Therapist Virginia Satir once said: “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.” Imagine giving yourself that daily boost of warmth and care.

Hugs heal more than stress. They create deep emotional connection. A hug says, “I see you. You matter. You are not alone.” In moments of anxiety, grief, or overwhelm, a hug can speak louder than words. Anthropologist Ashley Montagu put it simply: “Hugs are the universal medicine.”

And it’s not only about the personal touch. Hugs strengthen relationships, families, and communities. Each embrace we share builds invisible threads that tie us together, threads no phone or screen can replace.

So, pause. Give a hug. To a friend, a partner, a family member, or even yourself. It’s free. It’s healing. It’s human. In a fast world, hugs are a reminder: we are alive, we are seen, and we are connected.