The Science of Hugging: What we Lose when we are Isolated

In "Op-Art" piece in the New York Times, Kristen Radka, author and illustrator outlines the science behind our need to touch and what we lose when we isolate ourselves to prevent the proliferation of disease.  She recounts moving to a town where she knew no one and lived alone.  She found herself growing hungry for some kind of human touch.

Art from Kristen Radka's New York Times piece.

She notes the science behind our need for touch.  Regular touch release oxytocin and leads to feelings of compassion.  It reduces levels of stress hormones like cortisone, cortisol and dihydro-cortisone.

Stress homones include dihydro-cortisone

Regular hugs strengthens the immune system helping to fight infection and reducing the severity of febrile diseases like flu and covid 19.  It also lowers blood pressure, particularly important for expectant mothers.  It is all of this we lose when we isolate ourselves in response to a pandemic.