Hugging is SO incredibly powerful, it’s not just beneficial for kids, but for all ages. Whether you’re wrapped up in the arms of your beloved, greeting a friend or saying goodbye, hugs have a way of making us feel special, protected and loved. This simple gesture can do wonders for our well-being and the emotional development of our young ones. Below, are just a few of the many benefits hugging our loved ones gives – be it a bear hug, a cuddle or a warm embrace.

• It makes children comfortable with receiving and showing affection toward others
• It increases good chemicals in the brain which in turn lower stress, promote healing, lower
  blood pressure and make us feel happy
• It’s a way to communicate love and affection without words
• It can be a good exercise, rocking, carrying and holding your kids
• It promotes bonding
• It creates a healthy sense of personal boundaries
• It encourages calmness and relaxation
• It improves immune functions and sleep patterns
• It lowers anxiety and stress
• It reduces discomfort from teething, congestion, colic and emotional stress
• It strengthens the digestive, circulatory and gastrointestinal systems

Research shows that adults need an average of 5 hugs a day. So what are you waiting for? Start those hugs! Just make sure the person on the receiving end is as eager to get them the person giving them. ❤

Till next time…

Special thanks to R. Centeno for the featured image photo.