Get Happy: 8 Hugs A Day

In his TED talk, Dr. Paul Zak, professor and neuroeconomist, gives us the ultimate prescription for happiness: 8 hugs a day.

We've all experienced the power of a hug. How it can turn a bad day around and make everything a little better. But now we know why. According to Dr. Zak's study, hugs release oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that acts like a hormone. Oxytocin is released in the body when we feel safe and connected, increasing compassion, empathy and trust. Since the effects last around 30 minutes, the goal is to cause our brain to regularly release oxytocin throughout the day.

So go home and hug your partner, pet, family or friends tonight. 8 times. Doctor's orders!

*** HUG ***

{Artwork by Blanca Gomez}