Hug HooplaHa!
A hug is a hug is a hug. I’m so grateful that our friend captured this hug in a photograph. The joy, our smiles, and our genuine friendship -- it's all there.
There's something about a hug that is an awesome pick-me-up. And while reading The Happiness Project, the author mentioned that hugging someone for six seconds is enough to change or boost your mood. And being a hugger, (not a hand-shaker), I can totally relate to why you feel better after having a hug, even if it means you're saying goodbye.
Did you know that people who hug more are happier? As I mentioned earlier about those six seconds, studies have shown that some chemicals in your body (oxytocin and serotonin) are released at an optimum level to boost your mood. See? Even science is saying that hugs are good for you.
Another study says that women who get several hugs per day from their significant others tended to have lower blood pressure levels. Hugs improve your health? Another reason to head on out and give someone a hug.
Now let’s talk about the hugger versus non-hugger because I know some of you reading this aren’t fans of giving (or getting) hugs. This can be frustrating for a hugger, like me, because whether I’m happy, sad, or even frustrated, I find that just a little human contact brings some form of relief. (And the studies prove that there’s a reason for it.)
As I said, a hug is a hug is a hug. Whether you decide to hug your parent, your spouse, your child, or even your dog, take note of your mood. Did you feel a little happier after your hug? You may surprise yourself. And even if it’s just for today, non-huggers, go give someone you care about a big bear hug.
