I love a good hug. Hugs can make us feel better. It can even be grounding. Hugs soothe the soul and calm the nervous system. I often see people post or hear people say, when they are going through something or having a rough day, “I need a hug”. Sometimes when someone is unraveling, all they need is someone to step in and to hold them physically, a hug, and it helps them to pull it back together some.

I am usually the strong one when it comes to tragedies in the family or group. I can recall March 1st of this year getting the phone call that one of my brothers had transitioned to the spiritual realm. I had to call and tell the immediate family and this included my parents. When we arrived, my sister was already there because she is a nurse at the same hospital he was in. She was devastated and when she came down the hall we all embraced (it was my mom, another brother, and I). But here is the shocking part for me, I thought when I walked into that room to see my brother, I would cry but, I had no clue that I would be so overwhelmed with grief others would have to console me, hug me. I was able to pull myself together and prepare myself to be there for his young adult children who were on the way. Hugs in time of sorrow are like containers that catch the overflow of our emotions.

Hugs, when you are anxious or depressed helps the process back to self -centeredness a little closer. Hugs when you are not feeling your best or have had a not so great day help ease the tension. My daughter had a fender bender this year. She hasn’t been driving long as a young adult. When she got home she was so upset I had to hug her. There is nothing like the hug of a parent or person you love and who loves you, too. Think of those hugs from a grandparent or the hugs you give you get from your grandchildren.

I won’t go into the science of hugs on this coping skill post. I simply know from experience hugs help.

~Nikki