Hugs Are Powerful

There is something that is great for our health, free of charge, yet remarkably undervalued. Readily available, environmentally-friendly and requires little or no preparation.

What could it be?

It’s a hug.

Hugs are Powerful!

We tend not to take notice of the health benefits of hugging, so I encourage you to start today.

Give hugs as often as you can to a person, a pet, or even a tree! The benefits of hugging are remarkable.

Hugs do all the following:

Alleviate feelings of loneliness

Elevate mood

Reduce stress

Increase feelings of connection

Convey emotions without any words

Build self-esteem

Increase understanding

Reduce worries and anxiety

Build a sense of safety and security

Relax tense muscles

Reduce physical pain

Boost immune system

Benefit cardiovascular health

Say ‘you are loved’

Show that you care

Extend joy

Help form bonds with others

Increase empathy

Help build trust

By the way I didn’t simply make up this list!  The health benefits of hugging are backed by empirical evidence.  Research shows that snuggling up to someone or a pet releases the hormone oxytocin that strengthens our immune system, helps lower blood pressure, reduces the stress hormone cortisol, and improves heart rate.  There are a great many benefits to hugging, and it has even been connected to helping children toilet-train quickly!

We know that warmth and responsiveness work well for fostering children’s social competence, and there is also evidence that hugs and chatting with children work better than shouting and/or punishment.

Sometimes children or other loved ones push us away or behave in a way that really frustrates us, and often leaves us as adults or parents frustrated and at the end of our patience. Well, that’s possibly when children could really do with a comforting hug.

It is not always easy to offer a hug when you feel annoyed, but it may be best to offer it anyway depending on the situation. You will benefit from the hug as much as the other person. It will help you both feel calmer, safer, and connected.

So when things seem to be going terribly wrong, offer a hug.  It says ‘you are loved’ without using any words.

Think of the last time you were in trouble or were stressed about something. How lovely would it have been if someone offered you a hug?  I’m sure it would have felt like a relief! You can be that person – and remember – we feel good when we help others.  Go forth and hug!

www.carolinecrotty.ie

This post first appeared on mindloftmag.com

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