Hugging a loved one has tremendous health benefits, such as reducing stress chemicals, raising a female’s oxytocin levels, and lowering blood pressure and heart rate. In fact, the American Psychosomatic Society recommends a 10 minute hug or hand-holding between romantic partners because of its positive effects on stress. If done in the morning before work, the results can last long into a stressful day. In a study released by the American Psychosomatic Society, couples who engaged in these loving activities had lower blood pressure and heart rates throughout a stressful day than couples who did not. In general, loving touch has long been established to help improve health conditions of all kinds for all ages from babies to the elderly. Practice hugging loved ones, children, parents, and friends on a daily basis to improve your mood and theirs.