When you think about hugging, health benefits is not usually the number one thing associated with it.

What most people may not know though, is that hugging actually has a number of health benefits.

Here are four of them.

1.Heart disease

Hugging helps to reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol thus assisting in relieving heart problems.

2.Loneliness

Hugs assist in the emission of oxytocin which is known as the love hormone which helps in benefiting a number of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Oxytocin triggers the brain's emotional area to promote contentment, trust, intimacy and bonding.

3.Boosts mood

Hugging helps to improve someone's mood.

4.Relieves stress

Feel good hormones such as serotonin and oxytocin are usually boosted when you hug someone. Feeling good helps to relieve stress.