Hey, hey! Happy July! Where is this year going? Can you believe it’s more than half over already? Yeah, me either. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. I found myself with SOOOOOO many things to be grateful for and celebrate this past week. Freedom (especially inner freedom) is such a sweet, sweet thing! Perhaps you even saw some close friends or loved ones and exchanged some extra hugs along the way.
I’m sure you already see where this is headed… right into the next item on my list from this blog post. Hugs can cure more discomforts than the mind could imagine. Hug often. Hugging is a really powerful act, and while ‘cure’ might not have been the best word for my previous post, hugs most certainly can improve many factors. It is one of the single handed ways to show someone they are significant. Hugs have been shown to reduce stress by decreasing cortisol levels, reduce pain, increase empathy and understanding, improve heart health, elevate your mood, increase bonding, and relax the body. Not too shabby for one single act, especially a free act, and an act which can be done virtually anywhere. Have a I mentioned the best things in life aren’t things? I digress…
This might be another way to elicit a 20 second hug!
Here are a couple more tips on hugging. The most benefit comes from hugs which are at least 20 seconds in duration. There is really only one person, my significant other, who I hug for this length of time. Most hugs in greeting or departure are socially limited to just a few seconds before things start getting weird. Have you ever pulled away from someone when they weren’t done with the hug and insisted, by maintaining their bear hug position, on drawing it out a bit longer? Me either, but I think it is wise to practice the 20 second hug with a willing participant. Just saying.
The other tip is knowing how you hug is indicative of your personality or how you feel about the person you’re hugging. The pat on the back hug can be a sign the two individuals feel close but not close enough for a full on hug, or hugging isn’t the most comfortable for one of the individuals so patting the back is the most comfortable way to show they care. The side hug or shoulder hug is a sign of familiarity and friendship. The A-Frame hug is where two people bend forward at the waste avoiding as much contact as possible. This is most commonly used by those who prefer to have minimal contact or when someone feels forced into the hug (or when you smell bad). I saved my favorite for last which is the tight hug. Being empathic allows me to pick up on or feel other people’s emotional states. During a tight hug one is able to truly feel the other person’s intent and current state of being. For many the tight hug conveys the significance felt for one another.
What is a person to do when they work at home, work out at home, and don’t see a significant amount of people each day? Go door to door hugging all of her neighbors? Luckily I have a very lovey boxer girl pup who was born to give hugs. I am very certain this is part of her totally adorable doggie life mission. If neighbors and dog hugs aren’t for you then wrap those two beautiful arms of yours around yourself. Yes, I’m serious. Besides, there is no greater love than self love and we are only capable of loving others to the extent we can love ourselves. It never hurts to up your self love game. If you are still hesitant about hugging and feel like you need to work your way into it then I suggest leg wrestling might be your go to. No, I’m not serious, but if you try it I most certainly want to hear about it!! Thanks for stopping by.
Peace & Love,
Janessa