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.

---

Back to School Success: The Parents Job and the Students Job

Q. With another school year starting, we are not sure... Read More

Son, Can I Use The Car Tonight?

I recall somewhere in the recesses of my aging brain... Read More

Assertiveness: Key to Better Parenting

I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More

Clean Your House Green for your Children?s Sake

My thirteen-year-old daughter recently called me up to say she... Read More

Play the Ball, Not the Man!

As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More

Raising Boys

The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More

The Truth Behind Having Children

In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More

Educational Toys And Childrens Books - A Must For Optimal Childhood Development

The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More

Defrazzle with Hug Therapy

"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More

Boundaries - Why Theyre Needed

Imagine a child who lacks ownership of his own life,... Read More

The Recipe For The Making Of A Self-Assured Child: One Part Communication, Two Parts Love

Each child carries a unique picture of the self, shaped... Read More

How Do Campers Protect Their Children?

Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More

Picky Eater Kid Nutritional Guidelines

Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More

Im a Mom, Shes a Mom: Being an Adult with Your Parents

On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More

10 Secrets To Know You?re A Good Working Parent To Your Kids!

How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More

The Reticular Activating System, and its Role in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More

Revering the Crayon Marks

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine,... Read More

The Classic ADHD Child Reminds Me of Tigger

ADHD comes in differenty forms, or types. What... Read More

Strong-willed Kids: Raising a Spirited Child

Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More

Pieces of Time and Pivotal Moments

Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal... Read More

Childhood Obesity

Economist John Kenneth Galbraith has said that more people die... Read More

Parents Dealing with Worry and Fear

Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More

Playing Safe

Do you really want your child to enjoy playing with... Read More

Over-Indulgence And Over-Attentiveness - Two Dangers Parents Must Avoid!

We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More

Jammin with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of Music

Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Motivate Your Student

As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More

Achieve Success At School - Parents, Help Your Kids Easily Be Top, Honor-Roll Students!

With the beginning of the new school year coming VERY... Read More

Parents: You Can Do Something About Professional Sports Ethics

Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More

Is Your Child Learning Nothing?

You send your child to school and the teachers teach... Read More

No, No, No -- What Else is a Parent to Say?

The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More

What is Child Sexual Abuse?

What is child sexual abuse? Any sexual activity that is... Read More

Homeschooling Takes Your Child Out of Public School --- A Unique Benefit

Home-schooling removes children from public school. That alone makes home-schooling... Read More

How to Put Your Kids (Or Grandkids) On the Fast Track to Success

Working with adults (as well as children and teens) for... Read More