Be Freer With Hugs for Health
By Tom Herrin
Some people are generous by nature. Others tend to be pretty stingy. They may not be in all things, but when it comes to showing affection, some folks are downright unavailable. This may simply be because they are not the physically affectionate type. The fact is there shouldn't be any types, and all people would be better off and emotionally healthier if they were more freely shown genuine affection. Neither age nor anything else is a reason to exclude anyone from hugging or being hugged. Simply put, it can be good for all.
Hugs Can Push Away Fears
Just about everyone is familiar with comforting a child who is afraid of something. There is something about a hug that seems to communicate that someone else understands the fears and has experienced them also. The shared feelings that are conveyed by hugging and touching may help a person to feel that some of those things that appear out of their control are not always as overwhelming as it might be perceived at that moment. Feeling of total helplessness may disappear.
Hugging May Lower Blood Pressure
More than likely, everyone has had that feeling that something special was happening to them when they are hugged, or maybe hugging someone else. This simple act causes some things to happen in the brain, and throughout the body, that actually causes the blood pressure to be lowered. It can often be felt as that sense that there really is some relief. It is kind of that "everything is OK" feeling. It is one of those intangibles in life that just feels good.
Hugs May Relieve Stress
None of us has to look far to find something that creates stress in our lives. It makes no difference whether we are young or old, it is out there. We should never sell anyone else short because of their age. We don’t walk in their shoes, so it is a different scenario for each of us. Stress may come in the form of work, school, relationships, or almost any other thing we can think of. It may stress one person out even if it is no big deal to another. If you want to make life better for someone else, and possibly yourself, give out more hugs. If it is your spouse, who knows, you may be some of the source of their stress anyway. You could kill two birds with one stone.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Stafford, Va.