Try to put some hugs into the festive season
OF all the months of the year, December is renowned as the month of sharing, caring and having fun. With so many people’s thoughts focused on buying gifts, I thought I would share with you some thoughts about gifts that you can give every day and make a perfect Christmas tonic!
The typical Christmas ‘ to do’ list usually involves buying presents, shopping for food, hanging lights, wrapping gifts and so on. This year when buying presents, you might want to consider being more present too. Often what is most desired, yet left unsaid is spending more time with family, friends and neighbours. When shopping for food, consider donating food and when hanging the lights perhaps this month you can be the light for those who may be going through a dark time in their life.
It goes without saying that wrapping is big this time of year, so be sure to also wrap someone in a hug! We get so caught up in the busyness of our lives, particularly at this time of year, that we often disconnect from one of our most basic needs – touch. The healing power of touch is often overlooked, yet is proven scientifically as being critical for our sense of connectedness and wellbeing. Not to mention the beneficial effects on stress and depression.
Hugging releases endorphins, nature’s natural happy hormones, into your system which in turn gives you a natural and powerful high! What’s more, when you give a hug you usually get one back immediately! Research issued by the journal of Psychosomatic Medicine suggests that a hug can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with feelings of love and peace. These hormones will also suppress hormones that cause stress, and we know by now the damaging effects of stress-related illnesses.
Let the following poem warm the cockles of your heart as it captures the spirit of human nature in a nutshell!...
‘Hugging is healthy: it helps the body’s immunity system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it’s invigorating, it’s rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug. Hugging is all natural: it is organic, naturally sweet, it has no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and is 100% wholesome.
Hugging is practically perfect: there are no movable parts, no batteries to replace, no periodic check-ups, has low energy consumption, high energy yield, is inflation-proof, non-fattening, has no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, is theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting, and is, of course, fully refundable.” ...... Sharon Linsey
Another highly effective way to lift your spirits and that of others during this festive time is to let go of any need to judge. Accept any compliments you receive and avoid shrugging them off. Say ‘’ thank you’’ and soak in these compliments fully. Learn to feel the positive energy they create within. This may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but believe me it will be worth it. As you will come across much more confident, attractive and self - assured others will begin to see you in a different light! Try it and see how tall you feel! So this season, why not touch everyone with the light of your heart and the warmth of your touch. Wishing you all a very peaceful, warm and loving Christmas.