FILL YOUR HEART WITH JOY

Hello Our Followers,

How was your Wednesday?  Dan and I got some more items delivered today from Amazon, still waiting for a couple of other items.  It feels like Christmas here at the Malins.  Shopping for food and household items is fun and gives us time to explore our surroundings and do healthier things, like walking, exercising on the treadmill, do more research and read about healthier selections to share on the blog and website.

 For example, did you know that hugging can help to reduce levels of the stress hormone known as cortisol. Lower levels of cortisol allow the mind to calm and the body to relax. A study found that receiving hugs showed a positive effect on stress levels.

The stress-reducing effects of hugging might also work to keep you healthier. In a study of over 400 adults, researchers found that hugging may reduce the chance a person will get sick. The participants with a greater support system were less likely to get sick.

Hugs build trust and security in a relationship.

Safety, consistency, stability, trust, and security are all very important aspects of any relationship. Hugs have the power to help build all of those things and more. Couples or even friends have the power to strengthen their relationships by hugging often. Whenever you hug another person, you are automatically letting each other know that you can feel safe in one another’s arms.

Hugs keep you warm.

This is probably one of the simplest reasons as to why hugs are the absolute best. Hugs can keep people warm even during the coldest of times (both literally and figuratively). Literally speaking whenever people are caught in freezing situations, hugs are able to generate enough body heat to make these difficult situations a lot more bearable. Figuratively speaking, hugs also have the power to help guide people through the darkest and coldest places of their minds.

Hugs have the power to appease anger, loneliness, and anxiety.

Is your partner feeling angry? Go ahead and give your friend a hug. Is your mom feeling a little lonely? Go ahead and give her a hug. Is your friend feeling anxious about an upcoming test? Go ahead and give your friend a hug. While it is true that hugs don’t necessarily eliminate the causes or triggers of these stressful feelings, they do have the power to make feel people feel better.

Hugs improve a person’s serotonin levels, thereby generating more happiness.

This is the science talking. A human body’s serotonin levels are directly correlated to a person’s happiness levels. Studies have shown that hugs have the power to increase a body’s serotonin levels which then result in increased happiness levels. So, if you ever find yourself lacking in happiness, then go ahead and find someone to hug. You will feel better instantly.

Hugs can strengthen a person’s immune system.

When two people are engaged in a hug, there is a gentle pressure that is exerted on the sternums of these two individuals. This pressure triggers an emotional response that stimulates a body’s thymus gland. The thymus gland is directly responsible for a human body’s production of white blood cells and antibodies which help combat diseases and viruses.

Hugs help build confidence and self-esteem.

The human touch is an amazing and beautiful thing. A lot of people tend to underestimate the effect of a human touch. Even at an early age, a touch from our parents signifies that we are loved and that we are being taken care of. They imply that we have value in this world and that we shouldn’t be afraid to live our lives. That’s why hugs also build confidence and self-esteem. They take us back to the days of our infancy wherein we were always told that we have our place in this world and we shouldn’t be ashamed of being alive.

Hugs can help treat muscle tension and stress.

There is only so much stress that a human body can withstand at a given time. That is why it is very important for human beings to always engage in activities that help relieve stress. A lot of times, we place ourselves in strenuous situations and we forget to take the time to actually bring our stress levels down to normal. This is where hugs step in. They have the power to instantly lower a person’s stress and muscle tension levels.

Hugs are perfect expressions of intimacy and affection.

When you are in a relationship with a person, it can never be one-sided. It always has to be a give-and-take kind of situation. That is why hugs are always prominent facets in any healthy relationship. Hugs can serve as perfect manifestations of love and affection that two people can have for one another. Hugs represent two peoples’ willingness to give and receive love from each other.

Hugs encourage a positive exchange of energy between two people.

There is just too much negative energy in the world as it is and that’s why hugs are ever so important. Whenever two people hug, there is an automatic exchange of positive energy between those two people. We all have the power to rid all the negative energy in the world if we just hugged each other more.

So, you see a hug can be a powerful thing. 

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012, I posted this article on my blog:

The Healing Power of Touch (HUG)

There's nothing like a good, hearty hug to make you feel warm, protected and loved, no matter who the giver is.

There's something very healing about hugs, especially when we are lonely, depressed or stressed. And even though most of us can attest to that fact, without proof from the scientific community, there have been research studies that do indeed prove that touch can substantially increase physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Research indicates that hugging can actually lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, strengthen our immune system, increase oxytocin (particularly in women) which can reduce stress by decreasing levels of cortisol (the fight or flight hormone), can help decrease pain, increase hemoglobin levels, stave off potential senility in those over 70, and even save lives.

A Simple Hug

There's something in a simple hug

That always warms the heart;

It welcomes us back home

And makes it easier to part

A hug's a way to share the joy

And sad times we go through

Or just a way for a friend to say

They like you cause you're you

Hugs are meant for anyone

For whom we really care,

From your friend to your neighbor,

Or a cuddly teddy bear

A hug is an amazing thing -

It's just the perfect way

To show the love we're feeling

But can't find the words to say

It's funny how a little hug

Makes everyone feel good;

In every place and type,

It's always understood

And hugs don't need new equipment,

Special batteries or parts

Just open up your arms

And open up your hearts 

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. What are the immaterial blessings in your life that fill your heart with joy?

Until tomorrow, have a safe and wonderful Thursday.