Twenty One Days of Healthy Skin: A Cyber Hug (Day 13)
When the Lamelle team was planning the Connect campaign and articles at the start of lockdown we had no idea what the world would look like. What we did know is that it is very important to stay connected with you. Why? You are important to us and we believe in the power of community and support.
Nothing communicates affection and support like a hug. Stepping into a person’s personal space, even for those with their 'bubbles', has so many advantages to health and wellbeing. Many research studies have been done to show how hugs and physical touch communicates so much more than actual words. It's saying " I am here to support you", "Everything is going to be ok", "I accept you and love you" and "we will get through this together".
The challenge of no contact with my friends and family, who are all also in lockdown, is one of the most difficult losses for me. I don’t need shopping, I need hugs. It is my love language.
Research shows that hugs, the meaningful and authentic kinda hugs can benefit you in these ways:
The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety.
Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and frustration.
Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.
Hugging boosts self-esteem. From the time we're born our family's touch shows us that we're loved and special.
Hugging relaxes muscles.
Hugs balance out the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympathetic.
Hugs teach us to let go and be present in the moment.
The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding.
Hug your kids, your partner or your furry animals lots and lots today, every day. You are blessed to have them with you. If you feel alone, you are not. Love yourself too by connecting with your family or friends more often and send share your cyber hugs and love.
At Lamelle, we are huggers. It is our character! Our character is to care.
The Lamelle team would like to send an enormous caring cyber hug to each of you!
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
– A. A. Milne
Hugs.
Eritten By:
Training Specialist Karen Bester