Four health benefits of hugs – and why they feel so good

By Francis McGlone, Professor in Neuroscience, Liverpool John Moores University
Susannah Walker, Senior Lecturer, Natural Sciences & Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University

For many people, the thing they’ve missed most during the pandemic is being able to hug loved ones. Indeed, it wasn’t until we lost our ability to hug friends and family did many realise just how important touch is for many aspects of our health – including our mental health.

But now that vaccine programmes are being rolled out and restrictions are beginning to ease in much of the UK, many people will be keen to hug again. And the good news is that not only do…

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