The Power of a Hug

Physical contact expressed through hugs is necessary for our individual and social well-being. So, let’s hug and be hugged!

A definition of hugging

We all know what a hug or the act of embracing is. It’s the act of surrounding with arms, but it also notes other as the narrowing of arms in affection or the act of enclosing, surrounding by oneself. We can also define it as holding another person close between our arms as a form of greeting, give affection or comfort. That is, the embrace is an excellent means of communication between people that does not need to be spoken or expressed through words. But beyond all these theoretical definitions, have you ever thought about everything that a hug entails? Meaning, how do we feel hugs and what impact do they have on us?

Hugs are accompanied by so much silence! And there is so much said through them!

Hugging, a touch of the soul

If we take a look into the past and our memories, many of us will find numerous significant situations where a hug was enough consolation, an act of affection or response to something we needed, even as a gift from our loved ones.

Hugging is a wonderful form of giving love to those around us. It is stroking the soul of those who are near us. We would all function better if we hugged and let ourselves be hugged more often because even though hugging is an everyday act, we do not know the fullness it provides us.

It is true, there are many types of hugs. Some are more positive nature, others more negative; each are home to different intentions, establishing a symbolic language between the person giving it and the one receiving it. But the important thing is not only receiving hugs, but also giving them and asking for them if necessary.

Hugging is also an art!

Benefits of a hug

It is impossible to list all the benefits of a hug, as we would have to stop in each specific situation to note the context, motive, the people involved and the history of each one. However, we can mention some of the general positive benefits of hugs such as:

• Decreased stress.
• Feeling of safety and protection.
• Help to our self-esteem.
• Transmission of energy and strength.
• Improved interpersonal relationships.
• Promotes a sense of tranquility.

But the best thing is that you can prove for yourselves when you experience a hug that no two hugs are a like, as much as we’d like them to be.

“There is a suit that fits every body… a hug”

Image courtesy of Aleksey Shilikov