Brits are apparently missing out on 2,808 hugs each every year and this lack of loving could be damaging our health, according to a new report. In order to stay healthy we all know we should be eating five portions of fruit and veg a day, but experts also say that to stay healthy we need at least eight hugs, too.

65% of people in the UK steer clear ofthe simple joys of hugging, which means that across the UK,368 million hugs a day are lost. A sad 10% of Brits confess that they never hug their loved ones, 55% only give around two quality cuddles a week and only 17% are really big softies admitting they love hugging! This means that the average Brit is only getting 3% of the hugs that experts say is healthy and good for you, says the Andrex study..

 

The benefits of a good hug are medically proven by the release of the ‘feel good’ hormone ‘Oxytocin’ when giving and receiving a cuddle. Experts say that we should be getting around eight hugs a day to maintain a feeling of happiness and well-being.

 

Maylis Galeano, Andrex Consumer Care Manager says: “We at Andrex think it’s time for Britain to show their softer side much more. There’s nothing wrong with showing affection and hugging your loved ones, especially if there are health benefits too!”

Osho, an Indian mystic and author summarises the theory perfectly saying:

"Analysis is the way of the mind, hugging is the way of the heart. The mind is the cause of all diseases, and the heart is the source of all healing." *

So, what are you waiting for? Go out and hug someone today....

*Source: The Wild Geese and the Water #4, 1981.