[spoiler] A recent study, as reported by the Daily Mail, found that hugging on the regular is correlated with a lower risk of heart disease, can fight stress and fatigue, boosts your immune system, fights infections and can reduce depression. [/spoiler][spoiler]A study by psychologist Dr. Jan Astrom, published in the journal Comprehensive Psychology, found that hugging for a mere ten seconds has health benefits. A ten-second-hug can increase "feel-good" hormones like oxytocin. This, in turn, causes stress chemicals like cortisol to drop. "The positive emotional experience of hugging gives rise  to biochemical and physiological reactions," said Dr. Astrom in an interview. [/spoiler] [spoiler]<{•-•}>...[/spoiler]