• Free Trial
  • Get the Juice
  • Donate Now
Grapevine Magazine
  • Recent Mag
  • Sponsor
  • Library
    • Magazines by Year
    • Articles by Year
    • Articles by Category
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • History
    • FAQs
    • Feedback
  • Contact
  • Book
Select Page
A Healthy Hug

Scrubcutters

The Healthy Hug
by Mike Cooney

A GOOD MATE OF MINE IS EX-SAS. He’s a big brute of a man – a master of hand-to-hand combat, skilled in survival, a weapons expert and trained killer. Mentally and physically, he’s as tough as they come. 

And … he’s one of the biggest softies I know.

Every time we catch up, he loves nothing more than to wrap me up with his big, bear-like arms, and give me a long, slightly awkward, hug.

Now, I don’t mind a hug or two – especially if it’s with my wife or kids. But a man-hug takes a little more effort. And the quicker the better!

However, when my ex-military mate hugs, I’m stuck there for a good long while. In fact, these hugs have been known to go on for over a minute. That’s more than 60 seconds of close-quarter hugging with another man! Not even my wife gets that! 

But it’s futile to resist. And according to a recent study, it’s actually something I should embrace! 

Did you know that the average hug between two people lasts three seconds? But here’s the good oil: when a hug lasts 20 seconds or more, something special happens.

A quality hug produces a hormone called ‘oxytocin’ – also known as the love hormone. And this substance has a whole bunch of benefits for our health – including calming our fears and anxieties, and helping us relax and feel safe. And it costs us nothing!

So next time you’re in the middle of an embrace – resist the urge for a quickie, bring it in tight, and quietly count to 20 …

Latest Issue & Articles:
Issue 2, 2023

Issue 2, 2023

You Ain’t Gonna Believe This!

Fun facts that'll blow your mind!
Keepers of the vine

Old age ain’t for wimps

by Paul Freedman

I’ve found heaven!

England’s quaint little villages of yesterday
By Ian Dunwoodie

“I’m not going to school!”

Five steps for overcoming school refusal
by Tracy Carter

Stillpoint

Someone to talk to ...
Keepers of the vine

Home Sweet Home

How to write a novel
by Guy Browning

Sponsor

  • Donate Now
  • Sponsor
  • Free Trial

About

  • Meet the Team
  • History
  • FAQs

Mag Library

  • Recent Mag
  • Magazines by Year
  • Articles By Year
  • Articles by Category

Get the Juice

Sign up to our enewsletter and keep up to date!

Follow Us

  • Follow
Copyright Grapevine Magazine. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions. Made with love by Husk & Ampersand Creative.