Hugs, yes please!
My husband and I decided that the next time we had a craving for sugary treats like chocolate that we would hug it out instead!
It is quite fun when you are in the middle of a strong craving and go to pick up a ‘treat’- not treat, in a shop, and you just hug it out! People’s reactions are amusing.
Hugs help us to release oxytocin, a hormone that helps us with social bonding, feeling good and sexual activity. Definitely NOT where we are going with this! Especially in the shop!
Oxytocin helps you bond with others, helping us feel connected and reduces social anxiety, it influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system.
Covid and lock downs, created many of us to be fearful of being near others, let alone having any human contact other than with our partners and family. and all those delicious hugs we denied ourselves of.
We saw a big rise in depression and social anxiety and many people are still struggling with that now.
Hugging helps slow our breath, and therefore helps reduce stress and anxiety,
Hugs, helps us to feel good, and therefore more positive.
Hugging helps us bond, so whether you hug your partner, your friends, you children, parents, or our fur babies, know you are giving and receiving a good natural endorsement of feel good!
If you do not have any one immediately to hug, try stroking your own skin, gently stroke your arms, stroke your own hair or face and neck, and take some breaths of gratitude to enhance the experience.
Try helping your sleep, by spooning up with your partner or grab your pillow and hug it out!
Thank you for reading!
Namaste, with love
Sue xx
