This holiday season, hug more!

Ever since COVID social distancing, hugging has become the big taboo. It’s soooo wrong. When we hug someone, our bodies release amazing “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin (our natural mood booster) and oxytocin (the love hormone). These magical molecules don’t just make us feel warm and fuzzy – they actually reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and strengthen our immune systems. A 20-second hug (especially in the morning) can change your brain chemistry and make both you and the person you’re hugging happier and healthier. In this world that sometimes feels disconnected and stressful, we need more genuine human connection. A heartfelt hug with closed eyes creates an immersive, emotionally present experience. It is the simplest yet most powerful way to prioritize non-visual sensory and emotional processing and calms the subconscious. It’s free, requires no special skills, and the benefits are immediate for both hugger and huggee. So let’s spread more love and healing in our world – one hug at a time. Your body, mind, and friends will thank you for it.

With love and virtual hugs for all here!

Serge

^{Photo by Helena Lopes}