A Simple Hug

We don’t realize how important human touch is until circumstances prevent us from having it.

The past several months have placed a heavy burden on our hearts and souls. We have been unable to have contact with family and friends, and this physical separation has left us feeling empty. It certainly has been an eye opener when it comes to understanding the effects from lack of human touch.

When we go for any length of time without physical contact with others, the side effects we can experience include:

· Loneliness

· High Stress Levels

· Depression

· Fear of attachment

· Aggressive Behavior

It is extremely difficult to remain positive and in a good mood when daily life isolates us so much. Not only does this impact us negatively, but all of these side effects spread like vines out into the world around us.

Under normal circumstances our lives are filled with daily interaction and physical contact with others. We all know that having this everyday contact plays a big role in how we interact with one another. When we experience human touch many positive things happen:

· A hug a day keeps the doctor away – not only does it feel good, but it’s good for you as it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

· Physical touch promotes trust and security.

· Children who receive loving touch while growing up learn to become attached to others in a healthy way.

The entire world benefits when we are happy and healthy.

This past weekend we went to visit my daughters and grandchildren for the first time in several months. There were no short hugs of hello, but long hard squeezes that went on for a while. It felt so good to hold them in my arms once again and to feel the love from human touch; it felt like happiness.

A simple hug is so much more than that. It connects our souls and creates a positive environment for all.


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