The Science Behind the Power of a Hug

'The Hug': Your Body's Natural Stress Reliever

When life gets stressful, sometimes all you need is a hug. But did you know that this simple gesture is backed by science as a powerful tool for calming the body and mind?

The Hormonal Harmony of a Hug

A hug triggers the release of oxytocin, often called the "love hormone." This powerful hormone reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels, the body's main stress hormone. Less cortisol means a calmer mind and a body that’s ready to recover and heal.

Boost Your Immune System, One Hug at a Time

Research shows that hugs can strengthen your immune system. A study from Carnegie Mellon University found that people who received more hugs were less likely to get sick, even when exposed to the common cold. Hugs provide your body with the emotional support it needs to keep your immune defenses strong.

Pain Relief Without the Pills

Feeling pain? A hug might help. Studies have shown that oxytocin doesn’t just make you feel good—it can actually reduce pain perception. Whether you're recovering from surgery or just having a tough day, a hug can ease your discomfort and speed up your recovery.

Heart Health Starts with a Hug

Hugs are good for your heart—literally. Regular hugs have been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems caused by stress. A hug a day might just keep the doctor away!

Build Emotional Resilience

Hugs do more than just make you feel warm and fuzzy; they build emotional resilience. The physical connection of a hug strengthens social bonds, providing the support you need to face challenges head-on. This boost in emotional well-being can be the key to faster recovery from life’s stresses.

CALMR®️: We’ve Put the Hug into Our Garments

At CALMR®️, we understand the profound impact a hug can have on your well-being. That’s why we’ve designed our garments to mimic the gentle pressure of a hug, providing continuous comfort and calming effects throughout your day. Whether you're facing daily stresses or recovering from a tough time, our clothing is engineered to bring the science of a hug right to your skin, helping you stay calm, centered, and ready for whatever comes next.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, reach out for a hug—or wear one with CALMR®️. It's not just a gesture—it’s a scientifically proven way to calm your body, strengthen your mind, and support your overall health. Let's embrace the science, one hug at a time.

Yes, weighted blankets/products have been used extensively with children, but it's important to choose the appropriate weight and size for their body. So have comforters, in the realm of the garments we make.

Generally, weighted blankets should be no more than 10% of the child's body weight plus 1-2 pounds. We go lighter with our garments [they are c1.5kg each]. Use as comforters.

We advise if concerned, to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing a weighted blanket or wearable to ensure it’s safe for your child.

Just a few references from the literature..

Heinrichs, M., Baumgartner, T., Kirschbaum, C., & Ehlert, U. (2003). Social support and oxytocin interact to suppress cortisol and subjective responses to psychosocial stress. Biological Psychiatry, 54(12), 1389-1398. DOI: 10.1016/S0006-3223(03)00465-7

Ditzen, B., Nater, U. M., Schaer, M., La Marca, R., Bodenmann, G., Ehlert, U., & Heinrichs, M. (2013). Sex-specific effects of intranasal oxytocin on autonomic nervous system and emotional responses to couple conflict. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 8(8), 897-902. DOI: 10.1093/scan/nss083

Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., Turner, R. B., & Doyle, W. J. (2015). Does hugging provide stress-buffering social support? A study of susceptibility to upper respiratory infection and illness. Psychological Science, 26(2), 135-147. DOI: 10.1177/0956797614559284

Rash, J. A., & Campbell, T. S. (2014). The effect of oxytocin administration on pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 77(3), 145-160. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.06.011

Krahé, C., Springer, A., Weinman, J. A., & Fotopoulou, A. (2013). The social modulation of pain: Others as predictive signals of salience – a systematic review. The Journal of Pain, 14(10), 1083-1096. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.05.014

Light, K. C., Grewen, K. M., & Amico, J. A. (2005). More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women. Biological Psychology, 69(1), 5-21. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2004.11.002

Taylor, S. E. (2011). Social support: A review. In The Oxford Handbook of Health Psychology (pp. 189-214). Oxford University Press. DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195342819.013.0009

Grandin, T. (1992). Calming effects of deep touch pressure in patients with autism, college students, and animals. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 2(1), 63-72. DOI: 10.1089/cap.1992.2.63

Grandin, T. (1995). Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism. New York: Vintage Books. ISBN: 978-0307275653

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