Fight insomnia, relieve stress, boost your immune system, and relieve depression with one simple treatment. It will work wonders!
Although this therapy has been practiced for centuries, scientists and the medical profession have only recognized its benefits in the last few years. According to Intelligence Researcher Jay Gordon M.D., this exercise can help our children become smarter, while other research has shown it can improve our children’s self-esteem.
This simple exercise causes our body to release endorphins, which work on the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perceptions of pain. It acts similarly to drugs such as morphine or codeine, but without addiction. Would it not be wonderful to lessen pain wherever you are without the side effects of drugs?
The production of oxytocin is also increased. This is an important hormone for bonding in relationships such as husband and wife, parents to children, and children to children. In other words, it could improve the important relationships in our lives.
In addition, this ancient exercise increases the flow of Dopamine and Serotonin. These are mood-balancing hormones that produce the sensation of wellness and calm. Other benefits include decreasing the risk of heart disease, lowering your heart rate, increasing your circulation, fighting insomnia, dispelling loneliness, slowing down aging, and increasing feelings of happiness.
This remarkable exercise benefits you physically, mentally, and emotionally. The great news is that it is free and available for people all over the world regardless of gender, age, social status, culture, or education. Have you guessed what this exercise is? It is a simple hug.
Hugging is not only beneficial but needed. Orphanages and hospitals have repeatedly reported that infants deprived of skin contact by touching or holding lose weight, become ill, and even die. It is a necessary exercise for them to feel safe, loved, and comfortable. Babies need touch to thrive. This need continues in toddlers, young children, teenagers, and adults.
When I was a child and even as a young teenager, we thought nothing of holding hands with a girlfriend while walking down the street or hugging one another when saying goodbye. Changes in our society cause many to put a new connotation to this practice and thus often hinder this expression of simple friendship.
Be careful. Neglecting this exercise is not healthy or beneficial to our families or ourselves. A simple heartfelt hug can say I love you; I understand that you are not alone; I rejoice with you and care. It can make your child feel accepted and encouraged. Nothing comforts and calms a child after a bad dream more than a loving hug. “The next time you hug your child or grandchild, always be the last to let go. You never know how long they need it.” ---Unknown
After a few years of marriage, I told my husband that when he saw I was worried or discouraged, I wanted him to hold me tight and tell me everything would be alright. He didn’t even have to believe it would be but feeling his arms around me and hearing those words had a soothing, encouraging effect on me. A twenty-second hug can lower your blood pressure at the moment and even after your partner has left the room.
Jesus knew the positive impact of a hug. In Mark 10:16 (KJV), we read how He called the children to him, and “he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them.” Jesus hugged the children.
In Isaiah 40:11 (KJV), we read “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom…” Can you imagine how safe those lambs felt folded in the warm, strong arms of the shepherd, so close to him that they could feel his heartbeat? A perfect picture of safety and love.
Our Lord refers repeatedly to us as His sheep. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:11, 27 KJV).
Jesus, our loving Shepherd, desires to pull us close assuring us of His love and care. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, …how often would I have gathered my children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings…” (Luke 13:34 KJV).
Now that we are aware of all the marvelous benefits of a simple hug, let us exercise it often with our mates, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and others we wish to be a blessing to.
Even more important, let us draw close to our loving Lord…as close as a little lamb leaning on the bosom of its shepherd; close enough to hear His voice giving us direction, encouragement, comfort, and love.
Something I do that brings a rush of Dopamine and Serotonin to me is to picture myself as a little child, crawling up on the lap of my heavenly Father and Him putting His strong arms around me and affirming His love for me. I know this will sound silly to some, but I challenge you to try it. You may be pleasantly surprised.
“Hugs are the universal medicine” ---Unknown
Reference reading:
The Power of hugs: Benefits to your Health, May 31, 2021
IFHP News, The power of a Hug on our Health, Jan. 31, 2022, (ifhp-news.com/articles/the power of a hug on our health)
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