The Magic of Hugs
Jan 31, 2024 09:31AM ● By Marlaina Donato
August de Richelieu/Canva Pro
During a hug, preferably the 20-second variety, we can experience a drop in anxiety, thanks to a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol and a friendly burst of the bonding hormone oxytocin. Hugging our spouse, a friend or someone after church can ward off the common cold while helping us feel less alone in a big world.
Hugging is a language unto itself, showing others that they matter. Too often, we postpone physical contact, rushing out the door on the way to work. Couples sometimes reserve embraces only as a prelude to intimacy. Children can be deprived of hugs because of generational and cultural reservation. In the end, most of us don’t have enough healthy, non-sexual touch, which can contribute to loneliness, depression and feelings of separateness. Whether we are born huggers or hug-phobic and warming up to the practice, lifting our arms to express affection or support another person can prove that there are safe places indeed.
Here are a few suggestions to add hugs to the day.
- Compose “hug certificates” and put them in someone’s birthday card to use throughout the year.
- Hug a pillow when alone and surrender to the safe-place feeling.
- Give a child a hug before and after school, after a job well done or just because.
- Schedule two hugs a day with a partner and make sure they each are at least 20 seconds in duration.
- To respect possible past trauma around touch, ask someone if it’s okay to give them a hug.
Marlaina Donato is a visionary artist, composer and author of several books. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.