Hugs Are Healthy
Hugs Are Healthy | September 8th
Neuroscientific studies show that hugging is good for your health! Researchers say that a good hug can lower hormone cortisol levels, reduce stress, and thus regulate your sleep. Hugs also increase oxytocin levels and raise a person's positive outlook while eliminating negative feelings like loneliness, isolation, insecurity, and unjust anger.
In a November 17, 2021, article about hugging, the New York Post said researchers documented that an impactful hug should last a certain amount of time. The report said, "They found that a longer hug — between five and 10 seconds — delivered a more positive impact compared to shorter ones."
Whether you are the "hugging type" or not, the benefits of embracing are undeniable because we know this from personal experience. Some will try to dismiss the helpfulness of a hug by saying the word is not in the Bible, so it must not be necessary in God's overall plans for His people, but that is faulty reasoning at best. Think of it this way: The word trinity isn't in the Bible, but we still believe in it. Scripture may not give us a word directly on specific subjects, but the doctrine or teaching is implied in the passage or story and should be applied. I would say hugging fits that mold.
For example, the incredible story of Joseph in the Old Testament provides a clear picture of the powerful force of a hug. During his memorable reunion with his brothers, Joseph expresses his profound forgiveness with a hug. Genesis 45:14-15 says, "Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. 15 Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept, and afterwards, his brothers talked with him."
Hugs convey messages that transcend words and material possessions, communicating genuine affection and acceptance. Knowing this, remember to be mindful of those needing a hug today. Hold that hug for at least 5 seconds and trust God for the results. He has designed us to give and receive these healthy hugs.
Romans 12:10 says, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
In a November 17, 2021, article about hugging, the New York Post said researchers documented that an impactful hug should last a certain amount of time. The report said, "They found that a longer hug — between five and 10 seconds — delivered a more positive impact compared to shorter ones."
Whether you are the "hugging type" or not, the benefits of embracing are undeniable because we know this from personal experience. Some will try to dismiss the helpfulness of a hug by saying the word is not in the Bible, so it must not be necessary in God's overall plans for His people, but that is faulty reasoning at best. Think of it this way: The word trinity isn't in the Bible, but we still believe in it. Scripture may not give us a word directly on specific subjects, but the doctrine or teaching is implied in the passage or story and should be applied. I would say hugging fits that mold.
For example, the incredible story of Joseph in the Old Testament provides a clear picture of the powerful force of a hug. During his memorable reunion with his brothers, Joseph expresses his profound forgiveness with a hug. Genesis 45:14-15 says, "Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. 15 Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept, and afterwards, his brothers talked with him."
Hugs convey messages that transcend words and material possessions, communicating genuine affection and acceptance. Knowing this, remember to be mindful of those needing a hug today. Hold that hug for at least 5 seconds and trust God for the results. He has designed us to give and receive these healthy hugs.
Romans 12:10 says, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Posted in Encouragement
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
July
Refuse To Give UpTalk To God During Extreme TestingCelebrate FreedomDelivered From FearPut On Shame RepellentGod's Ears And Our TearsAngels Are In Your CornerTaste God's GoodnessBreak Free With HonestyGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityWe Can Defeat WorryGetting Into A Peaceful State Of MindHealthy Fear Leads To BlessingTrust God To ProvideWellness And Your WordsChase Whatever God ApprovesAre Your Problems Backing You Into A Corner?What To Do When You Drift From God?Think About Releasing Your Stress Lord Direct Our PathPathway To BlessingLord Hear Our PrayerCommunicate Kindness
August
MindfulnessGuard Your MindDealing With Unjust CriticismOn Christ The Solid Rock I StandStop Going Against YourselfGood Decisions Require DiscernmentNegativity Equals Toxicity Listen MoreFlourishing In FaithActs Of Goodness Reverberates In Heaven Thank God It's Sunday (TGIS)Slow Down To Deal With StressKeep Praying For Your FamilyRescue-Me PrayersChoose Your Company WiselyTrust God's GuidanceGod's Mercy Will Never Run Out What To Do When You Drift From God?
No Comments