Hugging Power, Give a Hug, Get a Hug

Posted by Marlene in Marlene's Feel Good Blog | 0 comments

Here’s Something New to Feel Good About Today!

Hug someone today!  Never underestimate the value of a hug, it’s really important to hug someone every day. When I do I always feel better and so does the hugee. Besides the warmth I get from the hug itself, I love making someone else feel good.

Forget those phony perfunctory kisses that many people give. It can’t measure up to our basic human need to be touched and held. A great big hug, the kind you fall into and hold onto to, relaxes us and lowers our blood pressure. There is no doubt about it hugs help our well being, they improve and prolong our lives.

I grew up in a time when hugging was not the norm.  Later in life, I learned to welcome a hug.  In fact, I have grown to depend upon them. My husband and I hug several times a day. There are times when I ask him, “do you need a hug,” or say, “I need a hug.” We make an effort to be affectionate with each other throughout the day. As a result, we have a close bond and very few conflicts in our relationship.

In his book Touching: The Human Significance of Skin, Dr. Ashley Montagu says,”Hugging is health-enhancing because it reduces tension and stress, aids the immune system, helps with sleep, assists in building self-esteem and best of all has no negative side effects. When we open our hearts and arms to others, we inspire them to do likewise.”

There are many types of hugs, they all carry emotional benefits. Watch people at airports, their hugs linger longer. Greet someone you haven’t seen in awhile and it’s probably a lot more enthusiastic. Romantic hugs are usually more intense with sexual connotations. Even one-armed embraces demonstrate acceptance and friendliness.

Did you know that hugs are so therapeutic that there is a National Hugging Day (January 21) created in 1986 by Rev. Kevin Zaborney from Caro, Michigan, to promote “the emotional benefits of hugging.” Keep that in mind this January and celebrate the new year with free hugs!

Find Something New to Feel Good About Everyday!