If this past year has taught us anything, it should be that we need to hug our kids more. Actually, we should hug anyone who means anything to us or needs encouragement. Studies have shown that hugs can improve both our physical and mental health. I challenge us all to get in at least one hug a day, if not more. For extra credit, hug so much that others think that you are a little eccentric.
Isn’t it funny, how the world works. While I was typing this, my husband interrupted to tell me that there was an ambulance across the street. Our elderly neighbor had fallen and was being taken to the hospital. A brain bleed is suspected. We don’t yet know the outcome, but what a wakeup call. In this gentleman’s case, he has a loving family there to support him, and what a difference that will make. All of his medical problems might have taken a man without as much will to live as he has.
A hug is more than a show of affection. At once it lowers the blood pressure and calms the nervous system. Studies have shown that while men and women respond a little differently to hugs (for women, the physical changes are immediate, for men, the hug must last at least a minute), all humans do respond.
This morning, a crazy tired morning with crazy tired kids, I made sure to call out each of my children for a Good Morning/Happy New Year hug. Each one of them came back for a second hug, which shows how important taking that time was to them. It superseded the homemade slingshots the boys were making and the whining for a cookie before breakfast. Even the pain of my youngest child’s broken collarbone was temporarily forgotten.
Hugs don’t cost a thing, but I am convinced that one (or two or seven) a day will keep the doctor away.
In need of a virtual hug or twenty? You can visit The Nicest Place on the Internet. It is sure to make you smile