A couple of years ago, I went to a gastroenterologist for a checkup. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by a doctor who made a great impression on me by giving me a hug when she introduced herself. She asked if I’d allow it, of course.
She had a TED talk about the power of the human touch, and emotions – you can watch it even if you don’t understand Slovenian, just turn the automatic translation on.
I love her point about the car and our bodies. Sadly we often take better care of our cars and things than our bodies, we still forget our minds too often too.
Some people hug with their words and behavior too.
I don’t know if this scientifically counts as a hug, but I’d say it could according to my own experience. This is how I fell in love with my former psychiatrist… I felt hugged while I was in his care and I still miss his energy.
I still love him in a special way, but that’s the topic for another post.
From this point, I believe it could be even more difficult if there were any hugs exchanged between us. Or this might actually help. I can’t say, because I don’t know.
Why do we need hugs?
- They boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure and improve our mood [mfn]Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/201812/3-surprising-ways-hugging-benefits-your-well-being[/mfn]
Hugging activates the same reward centers in our brain as eating does, so if you’re not getting physical affection, you may feel like you’re starved for touch. [mfn]more…[/mfn]
I’m wondering why we don’t have professional huggers
Can you imagine how many people could benefit from this? I think we could even get a slight drop in antidepressants and some other drugs, so of course, not everybody would be happy about it. No, this isn’t something that would fit into the materialistic world we live in or is it?.
They would also need specific training, perhaps about how not to get too attached to their clients and they’d probably need some self-defense skills too, among others.
Can you imagine self-help groups where people just hug each other?
It’s very good if you know how to hug yourself too because that’s the only hug you’ll always get no matter where you are or who’s around.
HOW TO GIVE YOURSELF A HUG?
- Put your arms around your body in a natural and comfortable way.
- Rest your hands on your shoulders or upper arm. Again, go with what feels natural.
- Imagine the type of hug you want. A strong, intense, maybe softer, soothing hug?
- Squeeze yourself with just enough pressure to create the sensation you’re looking for.
- Hold the hug for as long as you like.
If you don’t feel like hugging yourself, try stroking your forearms or upper shoulders in a soothing way, similar to a gentle massage. [mfn]Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/hugging-self[/mfn]
If you need a hug and don’t feel comfortable hugging yourself, you can hug a friendly animal, a teddy, pillow, blanket, or another object you find comforting.
You can also hug yourself through mindfulness and other meditations.
Feel free to share your own thoughts about hugs.
Further reading:
– Four Ways Hugs Are Good for Your Health
– The influence of duration, arm crossing style, gender, and emotional closeness on hugging behaviour
– Why You Should Get (and Give) More Hugs
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What an interesting idea, Maja. I think giving out hugs – consent willing – is a great idea. Society as a whole is suffering from isolation and loneliness more than ever and anything to help combat that and bring genuine care to others is welcomed.
You may be interested in a related initiative in Japan. In Early 2021, they inaugurated their first Minister of Loneliness to help combat the negative effects of the rise in social isolation. A socially progressive society can see the need for more of these kind of policies and programs.
Thanks Ab, I didn’t know about the Japan. Indeed, isolation and loneliness are on their heights.
It’s a very personal thing. For me, hugs are reserved for people I am close to, emotionally. There are very few people I feel comfortable being hugged by but being hugged by those people is very special. My dearest friend was an aunt, who I adored and I loved hugging her and vice versa. Body language is so important. I went to a new doctor recently and was surprised that she came in and curled her legs onto a chair and sat on them. I wasn’t sure how to interpret it but then her facial expression seemed to say “I’m bored, get on with it!” I came away feeling, once again, that old people are supposed to go away and stop bothering the medical profession. I am probably too sensitive, but it’s the attitude I have been getting since I turned 40, some 34 years ago!
I believe you that your experience wasn’t pleasant. I hope this is will change soon, you deserve good experience too.
There are those who stand on street corners offering free hugs ~ you can find pictures of them by googling those two words. Doubtless they field a lot of static from contemptuous passersby ~ and equally doubtless they do universes of good for those who accept their service!
If you’re very interested on this subject, there’s a poem available via search bar on my site titled “The Value of a Smile.”
Keep up the great work! Ana
Thank you Ana.
What a great idea!
Sending you a hug from Italy 🤗
Thank you Luisa. Sending one back from not so far away 🤗
😘
I love this line: I felt hugged while I was in his care and I still miss his energy.
I still love him in a special way, but that’s the topic for another post.
Seems like an opener for a great, kitchy romantic novel or something.
Indeed, it does. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Naemi.
Hugs are so important. They were greatly missed during covid!
Great idea! Here is one for you across the miles! 🤗
Thank you Bill. 🤗
OH MY GOD!!! YES!!!! Please!!! I light up like the sun with a hug and am a hugger by nature. We NEEEEEED them!!! Thank You! I’m sending You HUGE hugs, Beauty!!! Thank You and Cheers!!! 🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗
Thanks Katy 🤗❤️
Absolutely!!! ❤️