A Hug Can Help You Fight The Common Cold | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

A Hug Can Help You Fight The Common Cold

116
A Hug Can Help You Fight The Common Cold

I was taking a study break last week because astronomy was stressing me out, and when I want to relax I listen to NPR programs like “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me.” My favorite segment is when the contestants finish a limerick in order to gain a point. I was shocked by one limerick, in particular, which also felt relevant to this time when as a college student I am studying for midterms while fighting off the flu and other illnesses: “For colds and those seasonal bugs, don’t go in for vaccines or drugs. We’re making a case for a hearty embrace. You cold could be cured with more hugs.” Host Peter Sagal explained that research at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who hug more have lower stress levels, which leads to a stronger immune system.

Though the show aired Oct. 24, this research was conducted last year. The Association for Psychological Science talked about the research, led by Carnegie Mellon professor Sheldon Cohen, and noted that the results supported the theory that more hugs leads to decreased vulnerability to infection and milder symptoms if the person has an illness. The test was conducted using 404 healthy adults who recorded their hugs and social support, and then were given the common cold, and the ones who didn’t receive hugs were more susceptible to the virus and endured more severe symptoms.

“We know that people experiencing ongoing conflicts with others are less able to fight off cold viruses. We also know that people who report having social support are partly protected from the effects of stress on psychological states, such as depression and anxiety,” said Cohen. “The apparent protective effect of hugs may be attributable to the physical contact itself or to hugging being a behavioral indicator of support and intimacy.”

At a school like William and Mary it seems like people are always sick because a lot of us stay up too late studying and don’t take care of our bodies or stress levels. Since I don’t perceive the nature of our student body population changing and becoming a less-stressed environment, we all need to increase our dosage of hugs.

Hugs are unique because they show affection and care for another person. It is a small gesture that has a big impact when it comes to social support. In addition to feeling good, hugs “lower blood pressure, alleviate fears around death and dying, improve heart health and decrease feelings of loneliness.” Whether the person says they need it or not, a hug might be just enough warmth and friendliness to get them through their day and be their best, healthiest self.

I am not a big fan of hugs unless I am in the mood, but I can look back on times when a friend or loved one gave me a hug and it was all I needed. When I am stressed I have the tendency to shut others out, but then I just end up miserable and my physical health eventually echoes that feeling. This flu season I might have to give up my aversion to affection if I want to be healthy.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Kardashians
W Magazine

Whether you love them or hate them, it's undeniable the Kardashian/ Jenner family has built an enormous business empire. Ranging from apps, fashion lines, boutiques, beauty products, books, television shows, etc. this bunch has shown they are insane business moguls. Here are seven reasons why the Kardashian/ Jenner family should be applauded for their intelligent business tactics.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

3721
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

3267
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments