Hug More

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”  ~Virginia Satir

Have you read about all the things hugs can do for us? They help the immune system, decrease depression, reduce stress, and induce sleep. As Josh Richardson wrote in a post on dailyhealthpost.com, “[Hugging is] invigorating, rejuvenating and has no unpleasant side effects. It is all natural, organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients and 100 percent wholesome. There are no batteries to wear out, no periodic check-ups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation proof, nonfattening, no monthly payments, theft-proof, nontaxable, nonpolluting and, of course, fully returnable.”

Therefore, I’ve rediscovered the beauty of hugging. Not side-hugs. Real full-on embraces.

This past week, I’ve been with Nancy and her family in Lynden, WA. Nancy is our Project Manager. We’ve been working on various tasks and also enjoying ourselves. As a result, it’s been a good rest for me.

Nancy’s family hugs. All the time. It’s beautiful.

They hug when they say “good morning.” They hug when they say “good night.” They often kiss each other on the cheeks, too.

And you know what? They hug goodbye at the end of an evening of fellowship even when they have a plan to see each other the next day.

When I visit, I get all the hugs, too. Of course, I hug back. It’s easy. They’re warm, genuine, and easy-to-get-to-know and easy-to–be-with people.

Hugging is good self-care. Hugging is good group-care.

How emotionally healthy are you and your family? Being hugged reminds us we’re not alone. Hugging when love is barely felt can cause it to grow. Expressing love when it’s strong, like in Nancy’s family, keeps relationships healthy and deepens them.

Let’s hug more!