Hugs

Hugs are such an important part of our wellbeing. I have written before about the study showing humans need four hugs a day to survive, eight hugs a day for "maintenance", and twelve a day to actually thrive. Hugging reduces stress, increases the immune systems functioning, relaxes muscles, makes you feel loved, and increases the feeling of belonging. I recently learned (or perhaps re-learned) that the length of the hug matters as well. It takes six seconds of hugging for the body to raise its serotonin levels. Serotonin is what makes us feel happy. How often do we give the quick hug and pat and move on or way? Six seconds is really not much time at all and yet I am now aware that many times my hugs last only three seconds. Isn't it worth those extra few seconds to get the full benefit and help the person you are hugging receive that benefit? Is life really so busy we can't pause six full seconds, or longer, to hug the ones we love?
I'm grateful to learn this new bit of information. I'm grateful to make a conscious effort to remain in the embrace longer. I'm grateful for the difference I have already noticed in putting this into action. And I'm grateful to be conscious and accepting of those, for whatever reason, that may not be wanting to linger in a hug. I'm grateful to honor that for them while mentioning the benefits of the extended hug in case they were unaware. I'm grateful for the woman who shared this information with me and I'm grateful to share it with others. I'm grateful for the beauty of hugs and for the physiological response it has in my body.
How long do your hugs last? Is it different depending on who you are hugging? Are you willing to make the conscious effort to extend your hugs to gain the benefits? May your day be blessed with care and affection. May you find the benefits in hugs to allow you to thrive. Have a beautiful day!