Hugs make everything better. It can add more joy to our moments of celebration and provide us comfort during hard times. Whether from loved ones or friends, these embraces offer solace, joy, comfort and love. However, we cannot be around our loved ones all the time. And this is where the practice of self-hugging comes in—a gentle, comforting gesture that reminds us of our own worth.
Self-hugging is more than a physical act; it’s a nurturing embrace we give ourselves in times of need. It involves wrapping our arms around our own bodies, offering warmth, security and self-compassion.
There is a number of research that has been conducted regarding hugs and how it is beneficial for our mental wellbeing. One such research was conducted by Carnegie Mellon University. The study revealed that frequent hugs helped protect individuals from being susceptible to infections and also eased symptoms of stress in many. Interestingly, considering all the wonderful benefits of hugging, a special day is dedicated to celebrating them. Share a Hug Day is celebrated on the 30th of July. This day is dedicated to spreading warmth and positivity through the simple act of hugging. It also encourages people to embrace the power of human connection worldwide. Whether it’s with friends, family or strangers, sharing a hug on this day signifies comfort and the universal language of care. It serves as a reminder of the healing potential of physical touch.
On this special day, join us as we explore the wonderful benefits of self-hugging.
Remember, as a child, when we fell and scraped our knee or when a tough day at school left us feeling scared or vulnerable, how a hug from our parent was the truest source of comfort and reassurance? Those embraces provided more than physical warmth; they made us feel loved, safe and secure. Now, as adults, we can recreate that same nurturing environment by embracing our inner child through self-hugging.
When you wrap your arms around yourself, you extend the same comfort and compassion that you once sought from others. This act of self-care helps create a safe emotional space where you can heal steadily and surely.
Many of us are overly critical of ourselves, whether it’s for not achieving success at work in the pace we hoped or feeling like we’ve fallen short in various aspects of life. This self-criticism can take a toll on our mental health and also make us feel unworthy. However, in moments of doubt, a simple act like self-hugging can do wonders. This gesture of self-love provides us with a sense of comfort when we need it the most.
A self-hug is more than just an embrace; it signifies that you are enough, exactly as you are. It nurtures a positive self-image, which is essential for maintaining our overall emotional wellbeing.
Self hugging is a gesture where you wrap your arms around yourself to provide yourself with instant emotional support.
Self hugging can promote feelings of comfort, reduce stress and foster a sense of self-compassion and self-acceptance.
You can practice self-hugging anytime you feel stressed, anxious or in need of emotional support.
No. While self-hugging can provide emotional comfort, it’s not intended to replace the warmth and connection of comforting hugs from loved ones.
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