Hugging is good Medicine: Seriously, if your not hugging you are missing out

Have you hugged anyone today? If not, go find someone and hug them. Why you say? Well, who doesn’t love a good hug? And science confirms hugging is good for you, not just because it feels good.

It transfers energy and gives the person hugged an emotional lift.  Scientists say that hugging is a form of communication because it can say things you don’t have the words for.  And one of the nicest things about a hug is that it is reciprocal. You can’t give one without getting one.

Hugs are awesome. This is fact. I’m a huge fan of hugs - I have been for a while and believe I always will be.  Sometimes, living here in the northeast, I sometimes wish I was in California or Santa Fe, or one of hundreds of places I have been that are a bit more laid back than the dreary hug-less realm of the East Coast.

I am in a class right now and gave been for several months with a small group of people.  I casually put my hand one one of my classmates shoulders yesterday for one second, and she mentioned something about her "personal space".    Now I am a live and let live type of person, and make no judgements.  This person was totally in her right to feel anyway she pleased, but for me I thought, how sad.  How sad that we live in a society where a simple innocent sign of friendship, kinship, simple humanity can be twisted into something it is not.

We live in a weird time; hate crimes, social media obsession, the duality of increased connectivity, but increased isolation.

Sad indeed.  Apparently, in Tennessee you can sue or get sued for hugging. The state has passed a long mocked bill allowing parents to sue teachers and other outside parties for “promoting or condoning ‘gateway sexual activity’ by students.” 

Well, I for one would love to see a better sense of balance and maybe a good dose of common sense return.  We need more things that will bring us together, not separate us.  So much to say on this, but I will keep it short.

Not convinced yet?  Still need some more reasons ? Ok, here are some more reasons for why hugging is actually good medicine;

• Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.  Go hug someone!
  
• The energy exchange that happens between the two people is like an investment into the relationship between the huggers. The more you invest, the better the relationship.
  
• Believe it or not, a good hug (skin to skin) can actually help balance your nervous system. (get naked and) go hug! (be careful with this one, no lawsuits please :) )
  
• Hugging has similar effects to a mini massage, because it relaxes your muscles and releases tension in your body. The blood flow to your soft tissue increases.
  
• Anytime someone touches you in a positive way, you feel better, and it actually boosts your self esteem. A hug does the same, so get hugging before that important interview and you’ll be glowing with self esteem. (more on this later)
  
• The longer you hold the hug, the better - up to a point.  It releases serotonin and you get happier and less moody. So when you’ve got someone locked in your arms, don’t let go of that hug!!
  
• Hugging can gives you a sense of safety. This is probably why people who are in scary situations, just hug each other. So, next time your airplane is about to crash land, hug the person next to you. At least you’ll feel safe.
  
• Last, but not least, hugging boosts your immune system. It’s due to the pressure on the sternum and it regulates your body’s production of white blood cells and it keeps you happy and healthy. Go hug someone now!
  
  
  Hugs really are rather quite magnificent if you think about them. It's a wonderful beautiful little gift you can give to anyone - They’re free (that’s nice) they’re quick,  you can do them in public, you can hug people of both sexes (equality is nifty), you can hug people of all races (everybody needs hugs), and you can hug people of all ages -  Seriously, if you’re not hugging, you’re missing out.