Healthy Hugs
What better way could there be to help us to overcome our depression than by giving and receiving healthy hugs?
They are environmentally friendly, can be found wherever there are people, cost nothing other than a moment of time, have no adverse side effects, and you cannot give one without receiving one in return. However, they can be contagious and addictive.
Years ago, in the early eighties, I was given a sheet of paper with a very short version of the power and value of hugs. I still have it somewhere in my memorabilia. It was titled “Healthy Hugs” and I used to keep a copy with me to show people so that I could solicit some hugs without being considered to be somewhat strange or a pervert.
There is no doubt that hugs give a person a mental lift and a feeling of well being. I can also understand the benefits of hugs in relation to raising children and the maternal instinct of mothers, and other women, to cuddle babies. “Cuddling and caressing make the growing child feel secure and is known to aid in self-esteem,” claims Dr Achal Bhagat, a Deli-based psychiatrist.
It is unfortunate that many men are reluctant to embrace each other with a hug as they are concerned that such actions may be considered not to be macho. It is time that this misconception is changed!
I admire those communities that are not affected by this perception. I, too, used to be concerned about the possibility of being misinterpreted or misunderstood when soliciting a hug. This has now changed, and I am fortunate that my adult children [two sons and a daughter] and my grandchildren offer to hug me.
Recently, I did a little research on this topic and found that there is considerable scientific evidence supporting the immense health benefits of hugging. Amongst this evidence is:-
The America Psychosomatic Association released a report in 2003 that found hugs make people healthier. It was a study conducted by psychological researchers at the University of North Carolina to figure out the correlation between hugs and health. They put 100 couples together and asked 50 couples each to watch fun videos holding hands and hug for 20 seconds afterwards.
The other 50 couples were told to watch movies without any physical contact. Later, all the participants were asked to talk about stress they recently experienced for two to three minutes.
The result showed that couples with no physical bonding had twice as high blood pressures and heartbeats than their counterparts.
The level of cortisol, a hormone secreted in response to stress, also went up [in those couples that had no physical bonding]. The effect of physical contact, or bonding, to unwind the body was scientifically proven.
———
We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth
—Virginia Satir, family therapist
So try it for yourself! Hug somebody, or at least hold hands for a while.
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Hi John,
You have come up with a very meaningful blog & you have stated the facts very appropriately with the research example you have shown. I have never realized that a mere Hug can bring in such a major mental as well as physical change in one’s life.
Thanks for digging up this topic . Even i strongly believe that with a hug you can express your love & careness towards your beloved ones & this can mentally distress you in a larger way when express your feelings towards others. Even i feel a lot satisfied mentally when i hug my children which really gives me a inner soothing feeling & mental relaxation which keeps me going throughout the day.
December 2nd, 2007 at 4:08 pm
I need some hugs!
Great post – you’re right – I’ll remember this today – I’ve already hugged 2 people this morning – 8 more to go today… in in giving and receiving hugs I know I’ll uplift the spirit of those I hug today!
Alicia
December 4th, 2007 at 9:57 am
The following addendum to the November 3 post is equally true here:-
I believe that if we can all follow these recommendations, the problem of depression in the world will diminish considerably. Here is a complimentary quote:-
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
- Leo Buscaglia
December 7th, 2007 at 3:26 am
Hi John
You are very much in alignment with your spirit John – absolutely love it.
We must remember that we are spiritual beings having a human experience. And the way to access our Spirit more, our Truth, is to keep giving unconditional love. This is what hugs are about – unconditional love.
Hugs help to remind us that we are all connected as spiritual beings, so thank you very much John for giving it the priority that it needs.
The more we give, the more we receive and so the more hugs we give, the more we will receive in return. It is that simple.
Definitely keep that message going John
Melissa
January 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
[...] to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it [...]
October 26th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I live alone. Recently I got a hug from my neighbour and realized it was the only form of physical touch I had recieved in 2 months…scary, huh ?
So..I’ve decided to hug myself for now. I do it like an exercises, started with 5 hugs, then 8, 12 etc… I’ve found that specially when I’m angry is when I most need this. I feel a bit more at peace with the world.
November 11th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
[...] I know. I will wait until you stop laughing, but it’s true. Here, check it out. (It’s on the Internet, so it must be true, [...]
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:15 am
I have actually had an experience today that shows how true this information is. I have been so depressed over the past week and I’ve been tearing up all day. Someone came up to me today and gave me the most meaningful and comforting hug of my life. I suddenly feel so much better and haven’t cried since. It definetly gives you a boost in your self worth. It makes you feel more safe and warm and loved. This hug made my day. The simplest thing can change the way you’re feeling in nothing but a few seconds.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hi Jade!
I am glad that you found this post to be of benefit and for taking the time to make a positive comment about the post.
There is certainly no doubt that hugs really DO make a difference. This has been born out by studies of animals that have been deprived of hugs and compared with animals that have received plenty of hugs and attention from parents, siblings and other members of the group.
Another thing that you may find beneficial is to always be careful about what you choose to think about and to focus on pleasant situations rather than negative situations wherever you can. This can truly be life changing.
Check out the post entitled, “more about choices and depression” where you will learn some tips about how to overcome or ward off depression.
You would also benefit from reading the e-book classic, “As a Man Thinketh” that is freely available via the Recommended Resources section.
It is a relatively short book of only seven chapters and written in old English terminology but the contents are truly powerful, especially the chapter on tending the mind garden. You can get a glimpse of what is in this classic book about life from the post entitled, Tending The Mind Garden.
I strongly recommend that you get a copy of “As a Man Thinketh” and read it at least three times because it is amazing how something new seems to jump out from the pages each time you read it.
Have a great life because, despite numerous obstacles that we have to overcome, life is truly great. Obstacles just make us appreciate the good things even more.
Thanks again for your comments as these may assist others in their search for true happiness.