"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug"
Unknown
Sometimes life gets so hectic that our nerves are frazzled, our tempers are short, and we feel totally disconnected from those that are important to us.
Want to know a simple way to fix that? Reach out and hug someone.
According to some research, we need about 7 hugs a day to be healthy. Most of us don't get that in a month. Mark Katz, M.D., Member of L.A. Shanti's Advisory Board says:
"How important are hugging and physical and emotional contact for people affected by life - threatening illnesses? In my work, I have found that people who receive nurturing maintain a better outlook on their situation -- and historically, positive attitude is an important factor in long-term survival. Hugging and physical contact make a difference in a person's frame of mind, and may help their medical condition. Best of all, hugging has no side effects and does not require a trip to the doctor."
So, what happens if you're not a hugging family? Start by simply touching your family ? a pat on the back, a light touch on the arm. As you receive permission and encouragement, increase your touches to include a "side hug". Just remember to always respect a person's boundaries.
Here are some tips on how to hug depending on what you want to communicate by Kathleen Keating, R.A., M.N., author of The Hug Therapy Book:
* The Bear Hug--ideal for two individuals of disproportionate sizes and for saying, "You're terrific," or "You can count on me".
* The A-Frame--Brief embrace ideal for little-known relatives and situations requiring a bit of formality. All of the hugging takes place above the neck. This hug communicates polite caring or detached warmth. Great for new huggers.
* The Cheek Hug--A tender hug that can be executed sitting or standing. This hug says "I'm sorry you're disappointed," or is ideal to share joy or greet an elderly relative.
* The Group Hug--Great for good friends sharing an activity or project. Group hugs communicate support, security, affection, unity and universal belonging.
If you really need a hug and don't have the permission from your family members to hug them, go visit an old folk's home and start hugging the residents. It will not only help you, but it might even increase and improve the lives of those you hug!
Darlene Hull, www.mom-defrazzler.com
*****************************************************************
Publishing and Re-Print Guidelines
* The article text, resource box, URLs and copyright information must be left intact and unchanged
* When re-published online, all links must be live hyperlinks.
* These articles may not be distributed in any manner that does not comply with federal communication guidelines.
* These articles must not be password protected or limited to membership or paid-only viewing. These articles must remain free.
*****************************************************************
Darlene Hull is a local, ordinary, imperfect mom who sees her mission as helping moms look after themselves so that they can better look after their families. Darlene is married to Tom and has two children ? Simon (12) and Christina (10.5) whom she home schools. You can find out more about her on her website at http://www.mom-defrazzler.com and even download a free "Mom-Defrazzler" while you're there.
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareMost of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
Early childhood educators have called play "children's work". Many parents... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Researched through personal experience!Budget Your Money. Even if you are... Read More
I had my first two children on either side of... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More
Having been a parent educator and a PBS consultant for... Read More
Should a parent give a child a tangible reward when... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
? Let the child choose his or her own lunch... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical disorder that is statistically... Read More
Just two days ago, another 15-year old child was added... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
Parents are always looking for ways to open up the... Read More
As our children grow, they will be going to schools... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
We are all so very happy to see that the... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Part of the responsibility of being a father is to... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
How well do you really know your child?There is so... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
"No thank you. Don't bother to send me the report... Read More
Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More
All of us, including your child, entered this world equipped... Read More
As a parent, you probably know that the birthday party... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
Many years ago, my children were raised on the various... Read More
The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More
Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
Child support is defined as that part of your income... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
Your child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More
Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More
As our children grow, they will be going to schools... Read More
Vouchers, which give tax money to parents to pay for... Read More
Parenting |