New study finds hugs can improve people's mental health

Hugs are more uplifting than even going to church, according to a new Canadian study.

The Montreal-based Association of Canadian Studies analyzed data from a 2007 Canadian Community Health Survey and found people who get hugs regularly are even more likely to report better mental health.

The study also found Canadians appear to be happy overall as more than 60 per cent of the population reported their mental health as excellent or very good; however, those who were hugged on a regular basis were twice as likely to report their mental health was excellent.

Researchers said it is the loving community feel that does the trick  and regular hugs could lift your spirits.