Self Hugging
How long since you did this?
In a society that often focuses on seeking validation from others, it’s important to recognize the deep significance of self-hugging. Embracing yourself is a powerful act of self-love, compassion, and acceptance. It helps you connect with your true self, care for your well-being, and affirm your worth. So, open your arms wide and give yourself a warm hug, because you truly deserve that comfort and love.
_________________________
I hugged myself
and it felt good.
It was easier
than I thought.
I should've
done it long ago
because I needed it
a lot!!
_________________________
There's a ton of research out there highlighting how important human touch is. Studies reveal that getting hugs can bring a bunch of benefits, like:
- Creating a feeling of safety
- Lowering blood pressure and heart rate
- Providing comfort and boosting confidence
- Easing anxiety
Even self-hugs can work wonders! They help balance the body, temporarily ease chronic pain, and strengthen the immune system. Plus, self-hugs increase Oxytocin levels, which can help tackle negative feelings like loneliness, isolation, and anger. It's suggested that aiming for 8-12 hugs a day, holding each one for about 20 seconds but since that may be an unrealistic goal, try for 1-2 a day to start.
This kind of physical touch helps you feel more accepting of yourself and strengthens the connection between your mind and body. Show Yourself Some Love: Giving yourself a hug is a lovely way to express compassion and kindness towards yourself. When you wrap your arms around you, it sends a strong message of love and support to your inner being.
____________________________
Here's how to give yourself a hug:
Cross your arms around your body in a way that feels right for you. You might find it easier to hug around your stomach or just below your chest rather than going for a full chest hug.
Place your hands on your shoulders or upper arms, just above your biceps. Choose what feels most comfortable. If you’re hugging your stomach, you might like to wrap your hands around your sides.
Think about the kind of hug you want. Do you want it to be tight and strong, or gentle and calming?
Squeeze yourself with just the right amount of pressure to get the feeling you’re after, and hold that hug for as long as you want.
Some folks find it relaxing to gently sway back and forth while hugging themselves, so you might want to give that a shot too.
_____________________________
Also, it's perfectly fine to have a little chat with yourself. A few encouraging words can really enhance the benefits of giving yourself a hug.
While you're hugging yourself, try to focus on kind and loving thoughts directed inward. Just keeping positive messages in your head can lift your spirits, but saying them out loud can make them even more powerful.
To get some ideas for helpful phrases, think about what a close friend or family member might say while giving you a hug:
“I’m really proud of you.”
“You’re doing your best.”
“You’ll get through this.”
“This is just temporary.”
“You can handle this.”
“You're enough”
“You’re strong.”
“I love you.”
And my all time favorite:
“Everything is going to be OK!”
It might feel a bit awkward to say these things, to actually say I love you to yourself , but consider it the ultimate form of positive self-talk. Making it a habit to say “I love you” to yourself can boost your self-worth and confidence, leading to more positivity and inner strength.
The most important thing is to remember to keep any negative thoughts or criticism at bay. Take a few moments just for self-love, and nothing else.
__________________________
I hug myself every day. I started doing this quite by accident. While going to therapy, my therapist, Racheal started hugging me at the end of every session, always reinforcing the hug with the words
“Everything is going to be OK.”
This weekly ritual has been going on for seven years so now I've incorporated into my daily routine.
So why not give yourself a big hug today?
About the Creator
ᔕᗩᗰ ᕼᗩᖇTY
Sam Harty is a poet of raw truth and quiet rebellion. Author of Lost Love Volumes I & II and The Lost Little Series, her work confronts heartbreak, trauma, and survival with fierce honesty and lyrical depth. Where to find me
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Comments (1)
I sometimes think I grew up a bit touch-starved as a kid, but as an adult I can change that!