xoxo

Growing up in an Italian home, there was no shortage of hugs and kisses.

And those early habits have definitely been with me through adult hood - as I'm a natural when it comes to hugs and kisses!

For me, hugging and kissing has become even more important and precious than ever before.

These acts of affection have positive impacts on our emotional and physical wellbeing.

Here are just a few of the science backed benefits:

Increase your self-esteem

Enhance Relationships

Cuddling = less stress and anxiety

It dilates your blood vessels, which helps reduce your blood pressure

The more you kiss, the more you tighten and tone your facial muscles (yayyy!)

Can boost immunity and happy hormones

Xs and Os for better Zzzzzzzs

COVID has definitely led to less hugs and kisses.... I know at TruBliss we'll have to avoid handshakes and hugs for awhile...

Family therapist Virginia Satir once said: “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”

Sounds like a lot of hugs, but the science is here to show the benefits, and in this case... more is better!

The sad reality is that so many people in North America are touch deprived..... and I truly believe that it's important to hold on to the people that we love (and don't have to practice physical distancing with) And that we should hold on to a little tighter.

So, if you want to feel better about yourself, reduce stress, improve communication, and be happier and healthier, it seems that giving and asking for more hugs (and kisses) is a good place to start.

If you're like me, and hate having to ask, remember there's always friends and family members closest to you that (post COVID) will be more than happy to!

And even if brief, hugs have positive effects on your brain and body.