Hugs

I’ve read that hugging provides a lot of physical and emotional benefits if the hug lasts for at least 20 seconds. In fact, some claim it relieves stress, reduces anxiety and blood pressure, maybe even helps prevent the common cold, reduces pain (yes please), releases the “love” hormone, decreases your heart rate, and maybe even wards off an existential crisis!!

Wow! Sign me up!!!

If you’re just hugging someone in silence, 20 seconds can seem an uncomfortably long time. Try it if you don’t believe me. I mean, it’s hard enough to get 20 seconds in while washing our hands, am I right? (“Happy Birthday” song, twice…)

I was already using some Metta Meditation phrases while I washed my hands for 20 seconds, so I decided to see if I could create something to use during a 20-second hug.

How the hug actually works: I recorded myself saying the hand-washing phrases at a steady but not annoying pace, and it lasted 20 seconds, so I was in business. Then, I invited my husband to start hugging for 20 seconds a day to the recording.

I was a little surprised that he thought it was a great idea, but we’ve been hugging intentionally since the early days of March 2020.  We hug intentionally once a day. But, the more hugs you get, the better it is for you.

My recording goes something like this: “Are we ready for our hug? [short pause] May I be peaceful and happy; may I be strong and healthy; may I be free from inner and outer harm; may we all live with ease. May you be healthy, may you be happy, may you be strong, may you live with ease. [short pause] Thank you.”

I’ve created several versions with different phrases, and they usually run about 35 seconds. Here’s one of them: IMG_2821

Do your own recording. Maybe you’d prefer a poem or a song instead of a meditation. Maybe you tell each other jokes. I’ve heard laughter is pretty good for you, too. And hugging isn’t limited to another person. It’s good with pets, if they like to cuddle. Or even a “self” hug can do in a pinch.

We haven’t thrown out any medications, but I can report a shift in how I react to small irritations. I can more easily let them go and concentrate on positive thoughts.

Winning!