Have You Had Your Hugs Today?

Well, you may think this is a strange question considering the caution and mandates that have rolled out over the last year about social distancing, etc. But I think this is a worthy question for us to ask ourselves, even at such a time as this.

What is so significant about hugs? As one who grew up giving and accepting hugs easily between friends and family, it is a very natural thing to want a hug AND to give a hug. I’ve had to curtail some of my automatic custom of hugging others because in Asian culture, hugs are not automatic. This is one of the areas that I respect, but, at the same time, I’ve also attempted to bring this influence into their culture. HUGS!!!!

​There is another side to the significance of hugs. Science has done some research and found some interesting information about hugs. Specifically, this research was about human touch, and hugs are one of those significant ways of touching one another. So, as we come to this year (or longer) marker of global social distancing mandates, I believe it is time to remember HUGS!! Touching one another. Being close to one another.

*Here is what the research says…

1. Hugs DECREASE the release of stress hormones.
2. Hugs DECREASE blood pressure and heart rate (when stressed).
3. Hugs STRENGTHEN the immune system.
4. Hugs INCREASE Oxytocin in our brain which is the “feel good” chemical (it impacts our sense of well-being).
5. Hugs CONNECT us with people and bring down some of our defenses. Reduces isolation.
6. Hugs COMMUNICATE we are safe.
7. Hugs COMMUNICATE we are loved.
8. Hugs COMMUNICATE we are not alone. ​

**A well-known family therapist, Virginia Satir, gave some guidance on “How many hugs do we need?” Here is her guidance:

• 4 Hugs a day = Survival
• 8 Hugs a day = Maintenance
• 12 Hugs a day = Growth

**One interesting statement that I read along this subject line was, “Most western people today are touch-deprived.” Why is this so?? The author goes on to explain that in the western culture we have developed solitary lives. Also, we live life at such a fast and busy pace that we have reduced our socialization, thus our touching of others or being touched by others has decreased.

So, what do we do with this information?

HUG!!! Don’t be afraid of personal touch. Don’t let the social distancing we have had to endure cause us to avoid touching one another. We can even use safe guidelines (washing hands, covering our mouths to sneeze, etc.) and still be touchable people.
*So here are some practical ways to get TOUCH into your life…

1. Hug a pet.
2. Hug a love one.
3. Hug a friend.
4. Connect online if you are isolated from others (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.).
5. Close your eyes and remember. Remember those hugs and touches that have meant so much to you. Relive those moments and remember the HUGS.

Sources for this Blog:
*Cleveland Clinic
**Healthline

HUGS