As airports increasingly streamline traffic, one surprising measure has garnered attention: Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand has implemented a three-minute limit on farewell hugs in its drop-off zone. Passengers wishing for longer goodbyes are encouraged to head to the car park instead. This policy contrasts sharply with Heathrow Airport’s approach, where passengers are welcomed to take as much time as they need for their farewells, as signaled by new depictions in the departures area that promote “unlimited hug time.”
This emphasis on hugging isn’t just about keeping the airport moving; it’s grounded in science. Experts highlight the numerous physical and psychological benefits associated with embraces. “Hugging is a fundamental way we bond socially,” says Professor Robin Dunbar, an evolutionary psychologist from the University of Oxford. He explains that the act of hugging activates a specialized neural system in our skin, triggered by gentle, rhythmic touch. This can lead to the release of endorphins, inducing feelings of calm and relaxation.
Moreover, the positive effects of hugs extend beyond comfort. Professor Michael Banissy, a social neuroscientist, points out that receiving and giving hugs can enhance our immune response. In one notable study from Carnegie Mellon University, researchers found that individuals who received regular hugs were less susceptible to common cold viruses and experienced milder symptoms if they did fall ill. Another study indicated that women who hugged their partners before a stressful experience had lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone.
Banissy emphasizes the relevance of hugs in high-stress environments like airports, where anxiety can run high. “The three-minute guideline is intriguing because the hormonal benefits of hugging can be realized in just a few minutes,” he notes. However, he does caution against the potential stiffness that a time limit might impose, as the context of the touch is crucial. If the hugging experience feels forced or uncomfortable, the emotional and psychological benefits may diminish.
To understand the nuances of hugging, we can categorize different types:
1. **Quick Squeeze**: Commonly known as the “crisscross hug,” where arms intertwine around each other’s shoulders or waists. Studies suggest that hugs lasting between five to ten seconds are optimal for comfort and emotional connection.
2. **Engulfing Hug**: This more intimate embrace offers comfort in challenging times and is typically reserved for deep emotional support.
3. **Bear Hug**: A spontaneous, tight squeeze often exchanged in celebratory contexts, such as reunions or achievements.
4. **Sporty Shoulder Press**: A more casual approach seen in team sports where physical gestures like this enhance team cohesion and performance.
5. **Global Leader Hug**: Politicians hugging can seem awkward under scrutiny, yet research indicates that even brief physical touches can bolster cooperation and trust in professional settings.
6. **Self-Hug**: For those without a companion, self-hugging—placing hands over one’s own heart or belly—can replicate the calming benefits of a hug from another person. Research shows this self-soothing gesture also reduces stress hormone levels.
In light of these insights, experts suggest considering hugs as natural expressions of connection and comfort. So the next time you say goodbye, whether in an airport or elsewhere, remember that a simple embrace carries significant emotional weight—and sometimes, a little extra time can make all the difference.
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