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The Amazing Health Benefits Of Hugging!
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Usually when we feel pain, the natural response is to rub and massage the affected area. It has been found that even this natural, simple touch releases sufficient oxytocin to make you feel better.
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- If you are beset by loneliness perhaps on certain memorial days because of the absence of a loved one, a hug from a friend or family member can help drive the blues away. The familiar touch from a loved one shows that you are loved and special and boosts your self-esteem.
- Many parents worry that hugging child who is having a tantrum is rewarding bad behaviour – but it is not so! Hugs have been proven to be good for a child’s emotional health, and nothing can calm a tantrum faster than a loving hug from mom or dad.
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When a child is throwing an emotional tantrum, he or she is losing control of emotions which they are unable to correct. Hugging a child in a tantrum releases the fantastic oxytocin, and helps the child to avoid a complete emotional crash.
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- Hugging promotes brain health and memory. When released through hugging, oxytocin boosts brain health, and stimulates the para-sympathetic nervous system which is the part of the brain which conserves energy, and slows down the heart rate that has risen due to stress.
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This demonstrates that hugs are powerful health boosters that you can access every day.
Some golden rules for huggers
You may be one of those prolific huggers who rushes in to hug where even angels fear to tread. Here are some tips for you.
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- Before you hug a stranger, non-relative, a casual acquaintance, or a work colleague make sure that a hug would be appropriate – or you may find that you have overstepped the mark. Someone’s body language should tell you whether they are open to spontaneous embraces.
- Cross-sex hugs may also pose some difficulties as some women do not like to be embraced by the opposite sex and the same goes for some men. If the person is unattached, it might seem like you are trying to make a move. However, if you have good friends of the opposite sex and are accustomed to greeting each other with a hug there should be no problems.
- There is growing concern about accusations of sexual harassment often in the workplace. Hugging a colleague to show that you care is no longer a good idea. A simple hug of encouragement can easily be misconstrued as sexual harassment, so save the hugs for occasions such as when someone leaves the company or retires. But first ensure there is objection to farewell hugs in the context of the workplace.
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READ ALSO: 11 Surprising Health Benefits Of Love Infographic
Spread the love and warmth
Hugging takes place in many situations like greetings, farewells, congratulations to graduates, and expressions of condolences at funerals just to name but a few.
Keep to the guidelines and keep hugging – it is something you can do and benefit from the experience every day.
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