It’s National Hugging Day

What a great day! This is your opportunity to give and to receive. Give a hug, and you automatically receive one in return. Someone might not hug back, but how often does that happen?

How many hugs do you need in a day? According to family therapist Virginia Satir, one needs four hugs a day for survival, eight hugs a day for maintenance, and twelve hugs a day for growth. How do all those hugs help you? For one, hugs are healing. They are effective at healing sickness, disease, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress. The gentle pressure stimulates the thymus gland which helps strengthen your immune system. Hugging relaxes muscles and can ease pain by increasing circulation into soft tissue.

Hugs build trust by allowing touch. They boost our self-esteem by showing us we are cared for. A hug can say things you don’t have words for. Hugs put us in the present and help connect us with our breath.

Betcha didn’t know such a simple gesture could have such an impact. Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends, and loved ones. You’ll love the warm feeling you get in return.

Resource
www.mindbodygreen.com