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Hugs Do More Than BringJoy-by Heidi McLaughlin

Posted: November 22, 2020

I had not had a hug or human touch for almost two months. It was now the middle of May 2020 in the thrust of Covid when I agreed to meet up with a friend to do some volunteer work. As I got out of my car, my friend walked toward me, looked around to make sure no one was watching and gave me a big hug. Not realizing how deprived I was for human touch-I hung on and cried.

We are made for human connection. 

Covid is disconnecting us in ways that are emotionally and spiritually harmful. Physical distancing is also causing relationship break-ups, family neglect and pain and for those who live alone-loneliness and horror. I know we need to be wise and follow the rules of our country, but somehow, we have to find ways to reach out and hug. A month ago I met another friend who reached out her arms, then we both put on our masks and embraced. Safe but so good.

We need human touch.

Psychology Today tells us that: “Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It is also the fastest growing; it regenerates at an amazing rate—you sport a new coat of it every month. Skin acts as our body’s defense against the external world, as well as our brain’s collector of external data. The tips of our fingers, the soles of our feet, and our lips are designed to pick up the most precise pieces of sensory data, and have intense concentrations of nerve endings just for that purpose. And a hug provides complex responses that warm our heart and make us feel better.”[1]

When we are stressed our bodies react to the harmful chemical called cortisol. But when we hug, it unleashes Oxytocin, which is a neurochemical that helps us build trust, and makes you feel, well, warm all over. Plus it makes our bodies healthier.

 Oxytocin makes our bodies healthier

In the Bible there are 36 “one-another” statements. We are created for one-another, to bear each other’s burdens, pray and encourage each other and more.  We are 9 months into Covid and we have to do whatever we can to preserve our hugs and “one-another’s.” If we don’t, how will we rebuild trust and love?

God help us all and give us wisdom as we navigate through social and physical distancing, so that it won’t shred the fibre of our souls. Who do you think needs a hug today?

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/201606/the-undeniable-power-simple-hug

Posted in: all alone, anxiety, cortisol, Covid-19, Families, Friendship, hugs, loneliness, one-another, oxytocin, physical distancing, social distancing, we need each other