The Healing Power of Hugs

I know that when I went through a bout of depression a few months ago, the one thing I kept saying to myself was "I really need a hug." If someone asked me what they could do to help me, I would just ask them for a hug. Hugs seem to have some kind of healing power. I would temporarily feel better after my hugs.

There is something about the closeness or the human contact that heals. I feel it when I hug other people who are down. They start to feel better and it improves their mood and tone. I used to volunteer at nursing homes and one thing that usually made the elderly patients feel good was a nice hug. Here are the many benefits of hugs.

Hugs are free! You don't have to pay for them. So you can freely hug and feel good without a price tag.

Hugging can lower your stress levels. If you feel really stressed out, a simple hug from someone may help to relieve some of your stress. The act of touching another human being in a loving manner and being touched can help to focus your mind on something more positive and release stress.

Hugging can make you feel closer to someone. If you hug your significant other before and after work each day, it will make you feel closer and help you to bond more. I know that when I get a hug before I go out the door in the morning, it makes my morning a little better and my nerves a little calmer.

Hugging can help you to make up. If you had a bad argument or disagreement with someone and you want to make up with them, try giving them a hug. Ask them if it is okay first. Then go for a nice, long hug and apologize. It will help to make you calm down a bit after an argument. A hug can help to heal your relationship.

Hugs can make you feel cared for and loved. If someone gives you a hug when you are crying or upset, it can make you feel like the other person cares for you and wants to do something to make you feel better, even if it is something as simple as giving a hug.

Hugs can help to soothe some aches and pains. Whenever I feel pain, sometimes a warm, gentle embrace from someone I love can help to soothe some of the pain I am experiencing, whether it be physical or emotional pain.

Hugs bring comfort to the grieving. Those who are grieving, especially at funerals, find comfort in receiving hugs from people. Hugs can help to heal that suffering you may experience from the death of someone close to you or someone else.

You never know who's day you can cheer up just by giving them a hug. If you are going through anything in your life that makes you feel like you need a hug and no else is around, give yourself a hug! When I was suffering with depression, there were times throughout the day, when I was alone and everyone was out at work and I would actually give myself a hug. I would close my eyes and picture someone's arms around me and I would feel better! I am also offering an online hug for those who need one, to you from me.