BTS’s Jin and the Stress-Relieving Power of Hugs
In a heartwarming display of affection and gratitude, Jin from K-pop boy band BTS recently hugged 1,000 fans during his first public appearance after completing his mandatory military service in South Korea. This event, held in Seoul, was more than just a meet-and-greet. Instead, it’s an important reminder of the emotional power of simple human connections.
According to research and studies, hugs can make an individual feel happy by reducing feelings of loneliness and the harmful effects of stress. Hugs can help reverse stress and anxiety by boosting feel-good hormones.
Want to know the health benefits of hugs? Check out the article, “Four Ways Hugs Are Good for your Health.” Here’s an excerpt:
It improves our sleep. From the benefits of cosleeping with infants to cuddling your partner, gentle touch is known to regulate our sleep, as it lowers levels of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a key regulator of our sleep-wake cycle but also increases when we’re stressed. So it’s no wonder high levels of stress can delay sleep and cause fragmented sleep patterns or insomnia.
It reduces reactivity to stress. Beyond the immediate soothing and pleasurable feelings provided by a hug, social touch also has longer-term benefits to our health, making us less reactive to stress and building resilience …
It increases well-being and pleasure. Across our lifespan, social touch bonds us together and helps maintain our relationships. As noted, this is because it releases endorphins, which make us see hugs and touch as rewarding. Touch provides the “glue” that holds us together, underpinning our physical and emotional well-being …
It could help us fight off infections. Through regulation of our hormones—including oxytocin and cortisol—touching and hugging can also affect our body’s immune response. Whereas high levels of stress and anxiety can suppress our ability to fight infections, close, supportive relationships benefit health and well-being.
For law students and bar exam takers, Jin's gesture underscores an important lesson: the value of emotional support. Like Jin's fans, who derive comfort and joy from their idol's embrace, law students and bar exam takers can benefit immensely from fostering a supportive network. Whether it’s a reassuring hug from a loved one or encouragement from peers and mentors, these connections can provide the emotional sustenance needed to navigate the challenges of intense study and examination pressures.
So, let Jin's heartfelt interactions with his fans remind us of the power of human touch and emotional connection. After all, behind every successful law student and bar exam taker, there is often a team of supporters, cheering them on every step of the way.
