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Not being able to hug (and visit) family regularly has been one of the hardest transitions of the stay-at-home order. The last porch visit with my grandmaw seemed so foreign at the end when I got up to leave and felt all the space between us.
A hug literally creates happiness.
Both of my sons are known for their wonderful hugs. Their large frames and long arms wrap you like a warm blanket. They bring you in and you melt into their embrace. Neither were ever shy about giving hugs. Probably because from the time they could walk that was taught instructions upon leaving family.
Austin was so known for his hugs it was part of his funeral service. And the pastor's last phrase was to go out and "hug somebody" for him.
Noah never outgrew giving hugs, even though his height surpassed me years ago. Even now, he still wants a hug before we leave or go to bed. That's something that I'm blessed to have, especially during this isolation.
I have his and my husband's daily hug and kiss. My grandson's koala bear snuggles. But I feel for those who have been secluded for so many months without an embrace from someone they love.
Having a background in childhood development, I know the value and importance of hugging your children daily. There is an immediate oxytocin boost upon a physical embrace. It changes their brain and improves the immune system.
There's many more scientific reasons why a hug is beneficial to your health, both physically and mentally. And it seems ironic that during such a stressful time and the world the one simple thing we could do is forbidden and considered dangerous.
While physical touch is not allowed for now there are so many other ways we could hug someone. Perhaps it is a phone call or a letter in the mail. A basket of supplies left on a doorstep. Ignoring a post and not leaving a hurtful opinion. Choosing to see the good in people. Spreading joy, not pain.
Go out and "hug" somebody today.
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