The Power of a Hug
October 31, 2007 by Anna Farmery
Filed under Bereavement and Children
Ever wondered why you feel better from a hug…ever felt how you miss the hug of your loved one….how death has stripped you of a wonderfully uplifting hug?
Well I was reading this article produced by The Pacific Institute which says
“… demonstrated love and affection is important to our mental and physical health at every age. Did you know that our actual body chemistry changes when we are physically close to another? It is true. Many studies have now conclusively demonstrated that touch, especially caring touch, can boost the strength of our immune system, increase the oxygen carrying hemoglobin in our blood, and in general, make us happier and healthier human beings.”
It made me think how often when we suffer loneliness and can withdraw from the world because of bereavement…what this is saying is that, a hug a day may keep the depression away! Ok so it won’t necessarily be the same but giving a hug to a family or friend may just provide that little bit of comfort that will allow us to sleep through the night…
I also realised how important that hug is to a bereaved child……no matter how you are feeling, make sure that hugs are given freely to help our children
Anna, I agree about the power of a hug. This past weekend was an especially hard one for me, and I knew that a hug would have done the trick. Unfortunately I live alone and the pain was immobilizing. It’s times like that I really miss my husband Michael. (5/2/55 – 2/1/07). I’ve had some virtual hugs from online friends, but sometimes you need the real thing! I’m doing much better today.
Great to see you are doing better…don’t know if it helps but I do 2 things…one try and spend time with friends children as they are happy and also free with their hugs! When I get into bed I cuddle a pillow and put a pillow against my back so I don’t feel the emptiness…does all this work, sometimes but at least I feel I am trying. Wonderful comment thank you…
Anna
Your research about hugs is right on the top and I agree with it. I have noticed that after Jill left for Heaven, (it’s hard to say she died or is dead, I still cannot bare it) but I have become a much more affectionate person to my friends and acquaintances. Sometimes it’s a hug but sometimes it’s just a gentle touch.
It is so comforting at times to feel another person. I still have not slept in my bed, as I do not sleep really, but I sleep in my chair.
About a year ago I got a toy poodle and it has been amazing the differance that having her here has made. she is always excited to see me come in the door, she cuddles with me when I do sleep, and when I am depressed and crying, she crawl up on my chest and I looked down at her once and she actually was crying too. I thought it was a fluke but I have noticed when I am crying her little brown dots for eyes are soaked.
The power ot touch speaks volumns above words that are spoken at times.
It would be wonderful if when the spirit urges us to, we just hug someone. for no reason. just giving out free hugs.
I’m here if anyone needs a free hug that comes straight from my heart.
No I pray that God will let me touch someones life each day in an uplifting way, even if I don’t know it. And not that I’m not mad at God anymore I’m hoping he is listening.
Hugs to all of you
Jackie b