• 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, 2025
No results found.

Issue 2, 2025

How to be a happy single parent

Finding joy as a solo mum or dad
by Tracy Carter

Pick of the Bunch

Sketchy Skydives & Temper Tantrums
By Umus B. Johkin

Falling in love … and staying in love

A conversation with Clayton Barbeau
By Paul Freedman

Creating cultural connections

The value of sharing food, celebrations, and traditions 
by Tracy Carter

Stillpoint

Dance, dance, dance!
Keepers of the vine

HELP! I’m lost in the bush!

How to get rescued … quickly.
by Mike Cooney
No results found.

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
Visa and Mastercard logos
Grapevine Magazine uses SSL, does not store credit card details, and all payments are handled by a secure, PCI compliant, third party.

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