I love hugs so much I wrote a blog about them
Yes, I am one of those self-proclaimed huggers. And if you know me personally, I have probably made you hug me……………Regardless if you identify with a big teddy bear or more of a cactus when it comes to hugging read on.
Did you know that hugging has mental and physical benefits? Benefits for your brain, body, and nervous system. Hugging has healing benefits from trauma down to everyday shit.
How? Real talk, hugging releases a cocktail of hormones and chemicals in your body, it’s honestly wild. Take a look at the line-up.
Endorphines: Natural pain relievers and mood elevators, giving you that instant happy feeling.
Oxytocin: Most commonly known as the “love hormone” perpetuates bonding and trust, while lowering stress and heart rate.
Dopamine: Linked to pleasure and reward
Serotonin: Mood booster
Cortisol Reduction: Cortisol is the primary stress hormone. Now if you are like me, I need to decrease that damn thing!
Okay s0 that’s how, now let’s talk about what true benefits come with hugs.
Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system “rest & digest” which works opposite to the "fight or flight" sympathetic system. Yes please.
Supports trauma healing
Provides grounding
Lowers blood pressure
Can reduce heart rate
Endorphins help with pain reduction
Helps relax muscles and ease tension
Helps with emotional regulation in children and adults.
Can you believe all this? Are you wondering how much you have to hug? You are going to love this!
The best of course are the nice embracing hugs from 5-20 seconds. Now, this is hug commitment and typically happens in close relationships or when a time that calls for it. The less-commitment hugs still count too — quick hellos and side hugs can have a positive effect. What if you don’t have anyone to hug, or just aren’t comfortable? No worries, I got you boo boo. You can help your oxytocin levels with;
Pet cuddles
Massages
Weighted blankets
Soft touches
Self hugging (for real it works)
So my friends, here is my take on all this. Consider hugs as a deposit, and we all need deposits because life hands us too many negatives. We have to counter act that shit! So, think about giving a hug to someone you love. Please hug your children. Get a little closer romantically. Be vulnerable enough to ask for a hug when you need one. Hug yourself, metaphorically and literally.
(Here is my virtual hug to you) ~Chessa
