This shouldn’t come as a surprise to many, but I’m a hugger. My parents are huggers, and most of the people I surround myself with are also huggers. I believe hugs are universally comforting for many people. When we’re happy or bummed out, it always seems like a hug can makes us feel a little bit better. Much like a massage a hug can have similar healthy benefits.
Hugs can help:
Lower stress - Scientists say that giving anothe
r person support through touch can reduce the stress of the person being comforted. It can even reduce the stress of the person doing the comforting
Boosts immunity - people who were hugged and feel socially supported can experience less severe signs of sickness.
Cardiovascular health - Regular hugs might be good for your heart, particularly when it comes to keeping your blood pressure under control in stressful situations.
Feel more connected - Hugging helps connect you to others and can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. SUPER IMPORTANT
during these 6ft apart days. The lack of human touch over the past year with social distancing has many of us feeling less connected.
Elevate your mood - Hugging can also increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood and relieve symptoms of depression.
Self massage hug to ease your own shoulder tension! - cross your arms across your chest and hold your shoulders. Squeeze each sho
ulder three times, then work your way down your arms with your hands, pressing and releasing down to your wrists.
When you combine the parasympathetic nervous system with elevated feelings of love, compassion, and gratitude, together with the oxytocin and serotonin release in your brain during a hug, a good hug leaves us feeling wonderfully relaxed and at peace.
So go hug someone in your life today. Let them know they matter. This simple act of kindness will have you both feeling the wonderful benefits of a lost art, an embrace of a simple hug.
Be Well,
Cindy
Owner/Founder/Licensed Massage Therapist