Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. This week has been a busy one of work, writing, and family. I’ve been inspired by another idea, so I’ve started a new WIP. This idea demands to be written more than the other one, so I’ve put the other one on the back burner. I have to go where the Muse takes me.
I am sad to see summer’s on its way out. We had to turn the heat on a couple of mornings this week. Sniff. But that’s okay, hubby’s getting ready for winter by cutting wood for us, so we can have our toasty fires on those cold winter nights.
But enough about that. Today, I’d like to talk about the power of hugs. I grew up without technology, and when I was growing up, I spent all my time outside during the summer months. We rode our bikes, went swimming, and played frisbee outdoors. This was important for our health, to get out into the fresh air and sunlight. We had a lot of face-to-face interactions.
Now, my kids’ generation still get outside, but technology has changed the way they communicate. They can interact with each other via the computer, or their phones as opposed to face-to-face communication. This is good and bad. They can connect any time, but it’s not the kind of connection we need as humans.
I strongly believe we need physical touch. We need hugs and kisses to avoid depression and anxiety. It sounds so simple, but it’s true. In fact, studies have found that hugging, touching, or sitting close to a loved one releases Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Dopamine into our bloodstreams. These are all the “feel good” hormones.
It has been scientifically proven that physical touch relieves depression and reduces stress. What happens to kids who don’t know how to ask for hugs or physical touch? Who have grown up with technology as their only form of social interaction? We’re seeing some of the results right now. We see it in increased mass shootings, Higher rates of suicide, and depression.
Can hugs really lower the occurrences of these events? That’s a great question and my instincts say yes. We just have to increase the number of hugs we give out a day. I’d love to do some sort of study on this, but that would upset the drug companies, wouldn’t it? They’re busy creating drugs for depression and anxiety and making billions on the fact that we’re not getting enough hugs.
We need to get back to basics. We need to model for our kids physical touch is important. That it’s okay to give and receive hugs. We don’t want to raise a generation of unhappy adults, right?
Do you feel physical touch is important for the Technology Generation? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!
Physical touch is important for all generations!
I agree! I worry about the technology generation, though. I worry that they don’t know how important it is.
And I agree with you. It seems sexual gratification has replaced just physical hugs.
I couldn’t agree more. Physical touch is important for everyone!
Without doubt, hugs are so important. When I was working, before the start of a shift, I would insist on a group hug with my work mates. It went a long way to helping us through the shift. 😊
I’m sure it did. I know my day goes much better when I get a morning hug or kiss from my hubby or kids. Of course, my kids are too cool to hug their Mom right now. LOL! I force hug them a lot! 😉
My head is swimming with all your WIPs, Lisa! You go, girl! As for physical touch, it’s so important now more than ever! Who the heck wants to hug a computer? Wink. I give my new grandson plenty of hugs when I see him too. All the best in your writing ventures, girlfriend!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon! I appreciate your support! Congrats on the new addition to your family. There’s nothing baby snuggles! ❤
It is tough to say goodbye to summer, that’s for sure. Here in MD though Fall really is the best season, I think. So, I’m enjoying opening the windows–and the brisk mornings. We don’t have the heat on yet, but we’re ready to stoke our wood stove we got last winter–one of my favorite things about our house now! Oh, hugs! How much did I miss hugging over the pandemic? (Lots.) Maybe almost as much as I missed shaking hands. (I think that’s the German-American Midwesterner in me!) I admit I too spent too much time on my computer and phone, when I should be just looking my kids in the eye or giving them a good squeeze! I have tried one think that seems to help us forge a strong connection (I hope). While it’s easy to waste time on my phone during the car line for school drop-off and pickup, I try always to send them off and pick them up with my attention only for them. I know they won’t always acknowledge me when I wave at them, (because they must look cool!) but I want them to know they’re more important than checking my email for the umpteenth time that day!
You’re such a good Mom, Rebecca! I’m sure your kids appreciate you, even if they’re too cool to show it. The teen years are tough on us Moms with boys. That’s for sure! But it’s all worth it! ❤
Well, I’m just trying to be present–because I know these years will fly by so fast! My guys turn 13 in November, and I’m not sure I’m ready, but I’ll keep hugging them so long as they let me!
Good for you! Things change as soon a puberty hits. Hopefully, your boys will still let you hug them. ❤
I couldn’t agree with you more, Lisa.
Hugs are so important! When my son was 2.5 he was diagnosed with SPD (sensory processing disorder) and part of his therapy involved physical pressure (proprioceptive input) to help calm/regulate his nervous system. We wrapped him in blankets like a burrito, submerged him in water in the bath and swimming, encouraged running and jumping, and gave him lots of hugs. I still hug him daily, and when he’s not feeling so great he asks for Mom hugs.
Awww…you’re such a good Mom. Good for you for taking care of your son so well, and thanks for sharing your story with all of us. ❤
Hallelujah and Amen in JESUS ❤
Awww…Thank you! Thanks for stopping by!
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The only thing that is required while adapting to current times is activity and more time spent in nature.
I agree, Arv! I think more time in nature is the key to a lot of things. ❤
Absolutely, Lisa. It brings balance in life
Definitely!
Very nice post.
Awww…Thanks, Sherry! It’s nice to see you in the blogosphere. I haven’t seen you in a while. I hope all is well with you and you have a Merry Christmas!