The therapeutic value of a hug
Have you hugged your son today? It was a popular catchphrase that was coined in 1969. I think it’s time to modify the phrase to: Have you hugged your loved one today?
Most couples report that the cursory kiss in their greeting or goodbye is their most consistent form of affection outside of sex. Is not sufficient. We should never confuse or substitute sex for affection. Affection expressed through hugging is therapeutic and satisfies our basic human need to touch or be touched. It also relaxes us and lowers blood pressure. In essence, affective touching can enhance and prolong our lives.
In fact, couples should make more of an effort to be affectionate with each other. Those who do tend to report greater harmony, closer bonding, and less conflict in their relationships.
in his book Touch: The Human Meaning of Skin, Dr. Ashley Montagu examines the importance of touch in all aspects of human development. Through an analysis of the study of the behaviors of mammals, monkeys, apes and humans, he concludes that just as breathing is a basic physical need for these species, touch is a basic behavioral need and when this need remains unsatisfied, behavior abnormal is a likely result. . He writes:
“Both the person hugging and the person being hugged benefit because they have the immediate positive result of feeling good. Hugs are poignant and can have the effect of leaving one energized and rejuvenated. A caregiver’s hug accurately expresses a child feelings of love, acceptance, comfort, and desire for closeness.
He continues.
“Hugging improves health because it reduces tension and stress, supports the immune system, aids sleep, helps build self-esteem, and best of all, it has no negative side effects. When we open our hearts and arms to others, We inspire them to do the same.”
Former late-night talk show host Arsenio Hall made the “man hug” acceptable. He greeted his guests, both male and female, with a warm hug. He set the tone for the intimate conversations that followed. His guests seemed to ignore the cameras and studio audience as they revealed information about themselves to Arsenio that they probably wouldn’t reveal to another talk show host. Same for Oprah Winfrey. The warm embrace from her is not only welcoming, but comforting to her guests.
There are many types of hugs that occur in different situations. The hugs you see in airports tend to be longer. Hugs given to people you haven’t seen in a while tend to be more enthusiastic. Hugs that are romantically inspired tend to be more intense and are sometimes given from back to front (one person from behind wrapping their arms around the other), which carries sexual overtones. Then there’s the side hug, which is essentially a one-armed hug that shows kindness and acceptance.
No matter what kind of hug you give or receive, a hug is a hug and it carries emotional benefits. In fact, hugging is so therapeutic that there is a National Hug Day (January 21) that was created in 1986 by the Rev. Kevin Zaborney of Caro, Michigan. Zaborney created the day to promote “the emotional benefits of hugging.”
You already know that hugs are therapeutic pills that we can prescribe each other. They supply our souls with the nutrients of affection that we all need for our mental health and emotional well-being. Taking the time or effort to give more hugs is clearly a rewarding experience for both the person giving them and the person receiving them.
Have you hugged your loved one today? If not, there is no better time than the present.