Defrazzle with Hug Therapy

"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"

Unknown

Sometimes life gets so hectic that our nerves are frazzled, our tempers are short, and we feel totally disconnected from those that are important to us.

Want to know a simple way to fix that? Reach out and hug someone.

According to some research, we need about 7 hugs a day to be healthy. Most of us don't get that in a month. Mark Katz, M.D., Member of L.A. Shanti's Advisory Board says:

"How important are hugging and physical and emotional contact for people affected by life - threatening illnesses? In my work, I have found that people who receive nurturing maintain a better outlook on their situation -- and historically, positive attitude is an important factor in long-term survival. Hugging and physical contact make a difference in a person's frame of mind, and may help their medical condition. Best of all, hugging has no side effects and does not require a trip to the doctor."

So, what happens if you're not a hugging family? Start by simply touching your family ? a pat on the back, a light touch on the arm. As you receive permission and encouragement, increase your touches to include a "side hug". Just remember to always respect a person's boundaries.

Here are some tips on how to hug depending on what you want to communicate by Kathleen Keating, R.A., M.N., author of The Hug Therapy Book:

* The Bear Hug--ideal for two individuals of disproportionate sizes and for saying, "You're terrific," or "You can count on me".

* The A-Frame--Brief embrace ideal for little-known relatives and situations requiring a bit of formality. All of the hugging takes place above the neck. This hug communicates polite caring or detached warmth. Great for new huggers.

* The Cheek Hug--A tender hug that can be executed sitting or standing. This hug says "I'm sorry you're disappointed," or is ideal to share joy or greet an elderly relative.

* The Group Hug--Great for good friends sharing an activity or project. Group hugs communicate support, security, affection, unity and universal belonging.

If you really need a hug and don't have the permission from your family members to hug them, go visit an old folk's home and start hugging the residents. It will not only help you, but it might even increase and improve the lives of those you hug!

Darlene Hull, www.mom-defrazzler.com

*****************************************************************

Publishing and Re-Print Guidelines

* The article text, resource box, URLs and copyright information must be left intact and unchanged

* When re-published online, all links must be live hyperlinks.

* These articles may not be distributed in any manner that does not comply with federal communication guidelines.

* These articles must not be password protected or limited to membership or paid-only viewing. These articles must remain free.

*****************************************************************

Darlene Hull is a local, ordinary, imperfect mom who sees her mission as helping moms look after themselves so that they can better look after their families. Darlene is married to Tom and has two children ? Simon (12) and Christina (10.5) whom she home schools. You can find out more about her on her website at http://www.mom-defrazzler.com and even download a free "Mom-Defrazzler" while you're there.

---

Joining a Gang: How to Help Kids Prevent it, How to Tell if Theyve Joined One, How to Help Them Out

While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced... Read More

What About Competition? Are Your Kids Ready?

Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids... Read More

Raising Teenagers? Stay C.A.L.M.

Parents of teenagers frequently ask what can be done to... Read More

Playful Parenting - More than Just Fun and Games

Early childhood educators have called play "children's work". Many parents... Read More

10 Ways You Can Advocate For Your Child With A Learning Disability

Did you know that you are the most important person... Read More

Helping Your Child to Deal with Change

Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More

The Family Guy - Parenting From a Single Dads Perspective

It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More

Fun Things to Do with Your Kids this Summer

10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More

Tracking Your Child Progress

As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More

Ten Ways to Help Your Child Make Friends

Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent or teacher more... Read More

My Dads Secrets

From the book Spider's Night on the BoomI've only begun... Read More

Child Discipline - Be Consistent With Your Child

The biggest complaint you hear from parents about their children... Read More

Time, Stress, and a Baby

The main thing we noticed since having a baby is... Read More

Four Tips For Alleviating Back To School Anxiety

Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first... Read More

Surprising Fun Solution to Kids Moods and Attitudes

As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More

Lets Pretend

Children explore the world around them and learn through pretend... Read More

Is Your Teen Swamped with Homework and Tests?

I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More

Featured Article on Parenting: The Power of Belonging

Search for Assurance: The Power of BelongingThe job hunt is... Read More

Teaching Your Children with Coupons

Coupons can be a great tool in educating your child... Read More

Monitoring Your Teens for Drug Use Without Appearing to be Spying

Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More

Raising a Tobacco-Free Kid

We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More

What the Matter Is

When my oldest boy was really young, he tickled my... Read More

Exams Cause Stress For Parents Too

When it comes to exams, or indeed any academic work,... Read More

What You Should Know About Counseling for Attention Deficit Disorder

At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More

Your Child?s Self-Esteem is in The Cards

Research has shown that the present generation of children worldwide... Read More

March of the Penguins - A Fun Learnig Tool

Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More

Guide To Choosing Educational Toys For Children

In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More

Tips for Single Parents

Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More

Teaching Children Good Manners

Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More

Teach Your Children - Without Them Knowing They Are Learning!

The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More

Pay Attention! Its Your Most Important Job

Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More

What Might Surprise You About Childhood Obesity

The formula is pretty straightforward: energy in/energy out. This is... Read More

Guide to Choosing a Computer System for Your Child

Before going further into choosing computers for children, I believe... Read More