Benefits of Hugging for Mental Health
If you’ve noticed you feel better after giving your partner a hug, you’re not alone.
In fact, a small study reveals that it can actually help women reduce their stress.
“What’s happening on the inside when we receive a hug is there is a release of oxytocin. That is that feel good chemical that when it’s released, we feel bonded to those around us,” explained Susan Albers, Psyd, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic. “There’s also a decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone that pumps through our body when we feel stressed or overwhelmed.”
The study examined 76 men and women who were romantically involved and found hugging helped as a stress buffer for women.
Interestingly, it didn’t seem to have the same impact on men.
Dr. Albers said hugging can also be a great non-verbal way to connect.
Instead of reassuring your partner through words, a hug can offer the same kind of support and feeling of reassurance.
She said it’s important to make sure your hugs don’t feel routine or like a chore – you should be present in the moment.
And for it to be effective, it needs to be between five and ten seconds long.
“Be mindful that not everyone enjoys hugs, so if this is someone around you, a friend or family member, know that touching their hand or rubbing their back can be just as effective as giving a warm hug,” Dr. Albers advised.
She said another tip is to ask the individual first if they need a hug or are okay receiving a hug before actually doing so.
Todd Allen Corbitt, age 58, died unexpectedly Friday, February 3, 2023, at Ohiohealth Shelby Emergency Room.
Born March 7, 1964 in Marion to James W. Corbitt, Sr. and Lera (Delong) Newman, he had been a Shelby resident for the last 15 years. He graduated from high school in Crestline and attended Pioneer Career and Technology Center. He was employed as an auto body mechanic. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #763 in Shelby.
Todd was an avid outdoorsman throughout the years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, and motorcycles. Later in life he enjoyed playing Fortnite and other video games. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include the love of his life and faithful companion, Melinda “Missy” Yarborough; his mother, Lera Newman, who resides in Arizona; children, James (Tabitha Ellinger) Corbitt of Shelby, Ashley Corbitt of Tempe, AZ, Todd Corbitt II of Mansfield, Sgt. Steven (Summer Mowry) Miczek of Camp Lejune, NC, and Sandra (Brian) Henderson of Ashland; ten grandchildren, Kaydance, Cheyenne, Chelsea, Cameron, Allen, Gunner, Owen, Lilian,
Chanell, and Ellie; siblings, Denise Roach of Texas, Dana Mathews of Kentucky, and James (Steve Marino) Corbitt of Arizona; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Todd was preceded in death by his father, James W. Corbitt Sr., and step-father, Robert Newman of Arizona.
Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00p.m.. Funeral services will take place immediately following visitation at noon with Pastor James Robinson officiating.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Warthog Motorcycle Club.
On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.
Ronald Knapp, age 76, of Sheffield Lake, was called Home to the Lord on Saturday, February 4, 2023 while surrounded by his family. He was born on June 21, 1946 in New London, Ohio to Cloyd and Frances (nee Clark) Knapp.
He grew up in New London enjoying building and racing go karts with his father and was a 1964 graduate of New London High School. Later he graduated Lorain County Community College where he earned his Associates Degree in
Computer Science after enlisting with the United States Air Force on July 8, 1968. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War at the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged on June 8, 1972.
Ron had a successful career in the technology industry as a CAD designer, building printed circuit boards. He worked at Lorain Products, where he met his wife Lynda, from 1974-1998, followed by Multilink Inc., a telecommunications equipment supplier, from 1998 until his retirement in 2012.
Aside from his career, Ron was an avid sportsman who loved golfing and bowling. He was a Guinness World Record holder for being the youngest to win the ABC Championship Bowling Tournament as a member of the 1963 Booster Team at the age of 16. He also found enjoyment in building model cars and listening to rock music. Most of all, Ron enjoyed spending time with his wife and family.
Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lyn (nee Karnes) Knapp; daughters, Katy (Nate) Jones, of North Olmsted, and Kelly (Jon) Knapplewis, of Avon Lake; grandchildren, Kassidy, Tyler, Cody, Jordan, and Camden; and his sister, Vicki (Bill) Shepard, of Rochester Hills, Michigan.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 noon in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Interment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, Twp.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones. com