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Hugging Is Good For Your Health But Only If You Hug Someone You Know

By Toni Weidman

Real Estate Agent with Sailwinds Realty

January 23, 2013 10:10 PM

Hugging Is Good For Your Health But Only If You Hug Someone You Know

Are you a hugger? I am (as if you didn’t already figure that out). Studies have proven that hugging is really good for your health.

It lowers blood pressure.
Reduces stress
Helps your heart stay healthy.

Makes you feel good

Hugging someone just before you head out the door in the morning can set you up for a great day. Touch releases two “feel-good” hormones: serotonin and dopamine. Hugs also release the “bonding” hormone oxytocin: great for babies and pets. BTW, hugging a pet works the same way. In order for these goodies to take place; the hug has to last at least 20 seconds.

We humans are a social bunch (hence the need for social media so you can say goodnight to your 2,000 friends). Studies show that children raised in orphanages with extra human interaction on a daily basis are healthier, gain more weight, and have a larger head circumference than those left on their own all day.

However, going around and hugging strangers may be detrimental to your health so only hug family, friends, and folks you know that liked to be hugged. Have you noticed that some people actually don't like to be hugged? Be aware of that and don't hug them; it can make them feel uncomfortable.

Valentine's Day is coming - what a great hugging opportunity day. I wish you lots of

candy hugs

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Hugging Is Good For Your Health But Only If You Hug Someone You Know

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Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX

Selling Homes Changing Lives

Toni,

I read this with interest. It makes so much sense but part of me wants to cry because Teachers are not allowed to hug their kids anymore. Now it's up to the parent and family members to do the job and often there just isn't enough hugs to give to those kid who really need it

I'm glad I came over here because of Kathy's post.

HUGS to you and yours!

Jan 26, 2013 11:51 PM

Hella Mitschke Rothwell

(831) 626-4000 - Honolulu, HI

Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker

Toni: Hugs are definitely good. But not all situations warrant it, like in most business situations. Hugging is for an emotional situation.

Jan 27, 2013 12:26 AM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Dorie -I enjoy them too!

Patricia - you're right. Kids need hugs during the daytime too.

Hella - I don't think i said it was for business situations. Only family, friends :). I'm sending you a hug.

Jan 27, 2013 12:31 AM

Les & Sarah Oswald

Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA

Broker, Realtor and Investor

Toni - Going to have to give out more hugs if I want to stay healthy. I guess my dog will have to put up with my extra affections...Haha....

Jan 27, 2013 01:41 AM

Elite Home Sales Team

Elite Home Sales Team OC - Corona del Mar, CA

A Tenacious and Skilled Real Estate Team

Yes I am one who believes in hugs. Have a great 2013 day.

Jan 27, 2013 01:46 AM

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I did not know about your rule to only hug those that you know.

Toni: You are on my list of people to be hugged! Have a very special week.

Jan 27, 2013 02:07 AM

Roger D. Mucci

Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH

Lets shake things up at your home today!

Guilty, I'm a hugger and a kisser Toni. Love this post, it's so sweet.

Jan 27, 2013 02:11 AM

Wayne Johnson

Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS® - San Antonio, TX

San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale

Toni-I was OK with how your post was going until you got to the big head reference. The over-sized cranium is not something most of us want. I'd like the hug but normal sized head please.

Jan 27, 2013 03:00 AM

Mary Stewart

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, Homes for Everyone - Wilsonville, OR

Wilsonville and Surrounding Portland Metro Areas

Toni, I came from a "hugging" family and it is something I naturally do. I don't hug strangers, although sometimes I am tempted.

Jan 27, 2013 03:26 AM

Liz Wallace

Century 21 Sherlock Homes - Rockville Centre, NY

Broker C21 Sherlock Homes, Rockville Centre, LI, N

I hug my family but I don't like to be hugged too much and I hate when people I just meet hug me.. So I appreciate your comment about not hugging everybody on the face of God's good earth. Worse yet are the kissers.

Jan 27, 2013 04:13 AM

Eileen Hsu

Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Hugging is surely good for social interaction and you are right, some people prefer not to be hug or touched, so get to know them before you extend your arms!

Jan 27, 2013 05:18 AM

Christine Donovan

Donovan Blatt Realty - Costa Mesa, CA

Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M

Toni - Hugging is definitely important. It amazes me that there are people who don't like to hug though I know that there are.

Jan 27, 2013 06:43 AM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Sarah & Lee - your dog will love it!

Mark - I will have a great 2013 evening.

Roy - you are my list of huggers too. Watch out for those strangers though.

Roger - Thanks, I knew you were! You're on my list too.

Mary - I'm tempted sometimes too because they look sad when everyone is hugging. I don't do it because they can really get upset.

Liz - I don't like to be hugged by people I have just met but once I know them (about 5 minutes later): I'm good. :)

Eileen - it's just good manners!

Christine - hugging is very important for babies and children. Unhugged as youngsters, they are the ones that don't like to be hugged as adults (by anyone).

Jan 27, 2013 07:28 AM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

thank you Everyone. I loved your comments and hugs to you all.

Jan 27, 2013 07:28 AM

Nan Jester

Exit Real Estate Gallery Jacksonville Beach, FL - Jacksonville Beach, FL

Realtor, Exit Real Estate Gallery

Toni, as soon as I read your post, I reached over to hug one of my dogs who is currently next to me. Love the hugs. Hope you get many.

Jan 27, 2013 09:10 AM

Steve Warrene

Your Town Realty - Lower Burrell, PA

Pittsburgh Realtor North and East Pgh.

That is a good reason for me to hug some friends... "Now that I'm 40 I need to start watching my health... you need to hug me so I can stay healthy." That will be a good conversation starter with my female SOI.

Jan 27, 2013 09:26 AM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Nan -thanks. I'm sending one your way right now.:)

Steve - good luck with that :)

Jan 27, 2013 09:14 PM

Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate

John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR

"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Toni, really glad you added the pet component because pet therapy has been proven to ease stress, lower blood pressure...the touch and the companionship (and unconditional love!) all play into it. Massage has been proven to be effective for some patients with Alzheimer's as it eases their angst...music therapy, too.

I wrote a blog awhile ago mentioning how babies who aren't touched have behavioral issues later.

And, you're right about the non-huggers, although they can be trained to be a bit more comfortable with it. My hubby is one of those who has seen the light! (Most of us are huggers out here at Fishhawk Lake, men with men,too and he had to get used to that).

Jan 28, 2013 05:59 AM

MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900

Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA

Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

Thanks for a great post, I'll go home and hug my huband for at least 20 seconds!

Jan 28, 2013 03:00 PM

Toni Weidman

Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL

20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

Gayle - I was president of the SPCA for several years; I was always amazed at the way a pet can make people smile. Non-huggers can be retrained -- I was.

Michelle - enjoy!!

Jan 28, 2013 08:30 PM