EMBRACE YOURSELF

It may sound silly but giving yourself a hug occasionally can be a good way to enhance your overall health. Research has found that after inducing pain in subjects, selfhugging relieved its effects. The authors of the study suggested this was due to the embrace sidetracking the brain by giving it additional touch signals to process and thereby lessening its focus on the pain. Research in 2015 indicated the soothing effects of the hormone oxytocin could also play a role.

To harness these effects, find a quiet place and follow these steps.

1 Cross your arms over your body and reach across your stomach or chest (whichever feels more natural for you).

2 Apply the level of pressure you’d prefer – whether intense or a softer touch.

3 Maintain the hug for as long as you like.

4 Rocking yourself back and forth may increase the soothing effect.

5 You might like to try stroking or massaging your forearms or shoulders as an alternative to self-hugging.

6 Magnify the benefits by focusing on loving thoughts toward yourself. To increase their impact, say them out loud, e.g. ‘You’re doing your best’, ‘You’ve got this’, ‘I’m proud of you’ and ‘I love you’.