According to a recent study, physical touch and hugs have significant benefits on both mental and physical health. A review of 212 studies involving 12,966 participants found that touch can reduce pain, depression, and anxiety in people of all ages. The most effective form of touch was found to be head and face touches, with shorter and more frequent touches yielding better results.
Researchers discovered that touch from humans is more beneficial than touch from objects like robots. Newborns benefit greatly from parental touch, but the importance of familiarity with the touch decreases as we age. However, researchers emphasize that touch can be optimized for maximum benefit, but consent is crucial for its effectiveness.
According to the data, spending more time in physical contact can enhance overall health. Touch is considered an essential sense as it develops first and significantly impacts well-being. Therefore, researchers advise people not to hesitate to hug loved ones while ensuring mutual consent for maximum benefit.