Hugs For Health

Ok, so, full disclosure… This might strike you as a little corny. But I don’t care! Read to the end - I don’t think you’ll regret it!

I’m talking about hugs today :)

I don’t know a whole lot of people who don’t like hugs. Ok, so maybe it depends who you’re hugging, but still - I think pretty much everyone feels better after a caring embrace.

A squeeze from this sweetie always makes my day better!

I know I talk a lot about how the emotional is tied tightly to the physical in terms of health and fitness, but it’s because I believe it so wholeheartedly.

Caring for the mind and the spirit is just as important when it comes to overall health as nutrition, exercise, and other forms of physical self-care, and tends to maximize or even magnify the effects of those efforts (or lack thereof).

So back to hugging - you might think I’m just going off on some warm-fuzzy-hippie tangent, and maybe I am, but there’s actually some research out there backing the positive health effects of hugging too, so check your judgment at the door!

Although I’m not sure if it’s all truly legitimate, there have been some studies that have shown links between the oxytocin release that comes from hugging and decreases in stress hormones (like cortisol, which can be troublesome for weight loss), blood pressure, and more. Also, feeling cared for and supported by others can actually make you feel more energized on a subconscious level and even ward off sickness…

Besides just making you feel good, I’d say these are some pretty sweet benefits!

And to be fair, I just plain LOVE hugging :) I know, I know - corny... But true! It’s one of those things in life that just always seems to help. And when two people hug, it benefits them BOTH. Connecting with others can have incredibly profound effects not just physiologically, but emotionally as well.

Maybe it’s the warm-fuzzy-hippie part of me, but I think that’s great :)

I don’t know about you guys, but I find it a lot easier to do all of the things I need and want to do if I feel secure and loved, and hugs are a great way to reinforce that feeling and bond with the people you care about. I’m a lot more likely to do things like eat nutritious foods and get my daily exercise in if I eliminate as much other stress in my life as possible, and I love that getting a good squeeze from someone I love naturally helps with that!

So give a hug, and get a hug. As soon as possible. Preferably now!

Soak in all of the good health benefits it can possibly provide. Let it be another reminder to take care of yourself, because you mean a lot to others and they want you around. Allow your stress to melt away and enjoy the mood-boosting, relaxing sensation of acceptance and love.

It’s quick, it’s free, and it could be just the boost you (and/or your co-hugger) didn’t even know you needed!

There’s literally nothing to lose, and so much to potentially gain. Let’s hug our way to health!

Who are you going to hug today? My list is starting to get long!

Please feel free to comment, upvote, or resteem if you’d like! :)