Power of Hugs!

“You know that moment when you hug somebody when your heart feels warm and high in your chest and tingly? When you feel just for a second like a baby in a womb… that nothing matters? That’s how I want you to feel.”  – Jake Vander Ark

Hugging can help people feel more connected to one another and have an emotional power that you can feel when a loved one hugs you. BUT – it also has the power to actually make you healthier, less susceptible to common colds and reduce stress!

The power of hugs derives from Oxytocin, which is released when people embrace one another. This Oxytocin is also known as “the bonding hormone”, as it is also released when a mother embraces her child for the first time. This powerful hormone can make people feel socially supported, allowing for immune systems to increase and fight off common colds. So just think, every time you hug a friend or loved one, you are making them healthier!

This natural release of the bonding hormone helps to reduce a person’s heart rate and lower blood pressure, which can positively influence the body and decrease stress. Who knew you could be so influential and powerful over the mental and physical health of your loved ones!

In moments of increased stress, discomfort and depression our bodies react by increasing energy and molecular interaction in order to manage the overwhelming feelings being released. Touch, in the form of hugs or rubbing someone’s back, helps to calm the body, reducing the levels of anxiety and sadness. If you are uncomfortable with hugs, just know that holding hands or stroking someone’s back has just as much power and it can be a great gift to a person in need.

At Stretchery, we believe in the power of hugs and design our clothes to hug your body just right! We want to make pieces that make you feel supported and comfortable in your day to day tasks and when you’re working hard! We believe that social support is a critical aspect of a happy and fulfilled life, and if our clothing can remind you of that-than our job is done!

My challenge to you is this: every time you wear a piece from Stretchery, make it a point to hug someone that day. Let our collection remind you of this powerful gift you hold and how much it can positively affect those you love!