Hug Someone Today
I don’t usually give you a homework assignment.
But this Sunday, I’m up for something a little different. (Here’s hoping you are too.)
Because I want you to do 1 little thing today.
It will take only seconds (longer if you like).
And I can guarantee you this: It will improve your health, your mood and probably the rest of your day.
Plus, as a bonus, it will do the same for someone else too.
And it’s something we’ve been sorely missing for the last year and more.
Your assignment: hug someone.
You don’t need science to tell you that a hug feels good. You can feel it in your bones.
But since I’ve got the science, I’ll share it with you. A study from Carnegie Mellon University looked at the social interactions of 400 people over 2 weeks.
What did they find? A direct link between their emotional states, feelings of conflict (and ease of resolution), and – you guessed it – hugs.
While it’s said it’s better to give than to receive, when it comes to hugs, it’s good to give or receive.
Hugs help people feel better after some kind of conflict or negative event. They lift you up. They warm you. And you can feel negative emotions melt away.
So whether it’s your spouse, your child, a grandkid, or just an old friend, walk right up to them and open up your arms good and wide.
Bring them in, give them an embrace, and know you’re doing something good.
For them, and you.
Guys, this means you too. Women in the study reported more hugs than men. But why should we guys miss out on all this free, helpful, healthy interaction?
We shouldn’t.
Now, I may not make up one of those “FREE HUGS” signs and stand on the corner. But I’m going to look for someone besides the Mrs. to wrap up in a big hug today.
And maybe tomorrow too.
But be warned: it’s said dogs don’t really like hugs, though my dog might beg to differ. Better to give your dog a scratch behind the ears.
I don’t recommend doing that to a stranger.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
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