Hugs Improve Mental Health

Researchers were interested in the impact of human touch on physical and mental health.  They conducted a meta-analysis of 212 studies, with 12,966 participants, to examine touch intervention efficacy.

They discovered that human touch reduces pain, stress, anxiety, and depression in adults.  The more often the touch intervention is offered, the greater the impact.  Short hugs, a hand on the arm or shoulder, or holding hands work better than traditional massage, especially if offered frequently.

Takeaway:  Human touch can improve physical and mental health.  May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and offering a hug or a hand is one way to help others.

Well-being is a journey, not a quick fix.

The Legal Brain: A Lawyer’s Guide to Well-being and Better Job Performance is available on Amazon and Cambridge University Press (AUSTIN24 at checkout for 20% discount from Cambridge).

One reviewer said:

"Incisive, complete, and practical, The Legal Brain will guide and inspire exceptional lawyers and law students. Its scientific foundations and lucid depictions of emotional distress and well-being show them how to achieve enduring mental health and deliver consistently superior performance. Although other books document the legal profession’s mental health crisis, this book is uniquely valuable in presenting cogent, authoritative, and immediate solutions."
Randall Kiser, Principal Analyst, DecisionSet®

Source

Julian Packheiser, et al., A systematic review and multivariate meta-analysis of the physical and mental health benefits of touch interventions | Nature Human Behaviour, Apr 8, 2024.

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