Have you ever had something pop up again and again on social media, movies, books, or life? When something repeats in my life I start to notice and pay attention. Over the last couple of weeks I have had hugging and mental health pop up again and again in my social media feed. So here we are, exploring hugging together.
Hugs Help Mental Health!
Our students often crave attention. Some will seek it out in negative ways. We have the opportunity to provide small moments of positive attention which can build trust and health. We can give a quick hug.
There are times when we may not always feel like giving hugs to others. For those times there are a couple of mindfulness practices we can teach our students.
Butterfly Hug Mindfulness is a peaceful guided imagery mindfulness with a slight hug from you butterfly-hands.
Hugs help!
On the CDC's website it states that loneliness is associated with higher rates of; depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Loneliness does not always look like being alone. The Jack's Mannequin song Dark Blue has a line that asks, "have you every felt alone in a crowded room?" Take some time this week to look around your classroom and ask yourself, "who here might be feeling lonely?" Chances are you have one or two students who sit in your classroom full of people and still feel alone. Have you hugged them today? Have you given them space to engage in a mindfulness self hug?
In a National Library of Medicine article titled, Relationships between loneliness, psychiatric disorders and physical health. A review on he psychological aspects of loneliness. the following is stated about loneliness: "Loneliness is the absence of imperative social relations and lack of affection in current social relationships."
Loneliness is when we feel disconnected from others. Our relationships do not support positive mental and physical wellbeing.
For some hugging may be the last thing you want to do during the season of cold and flu and of course covid. In a Psychology today article Lisa van Raalte, Ph D shares that hugs can actually help fight against the common cold. Hugging helps lower blood pressure, decrease levels of cortisol, boost levels of oxytocin, and create a sense of bonding with others. These factors all help build a strong and health immune system.
The Psychology Today article continues on to share that due to covid we have been deprived social contact. This has negatively impacted the mental health for many. Human contact is essential for healthy development and positive mental health.
In a short clip on hugging from the Cleveland Clinic, it is shared that if you are not a hugger, even a small touch of a hand can help boost mood and mental health.
Now that we have talked about the benefits of hugs, take some time to notice how many students seek a hug. I have students who make a point to hug me every morning. I have other students who seek a hug every time they see me. Have you noticed this too? How many hugs do you get each day? How many do you give? If you do not want to try a hug consider a fist bump, shoulder squeeze, or a light touch on the arm. You might be boosting someone's mental health.
This is a great reminder that not all students are getting the attention they crave at home, so giving them a hug, a smile, or a gentle tap/touch on the shoulder or hand may be enough to help them feel connected to someone and noticed by others. Thanks again for always sharing the best information.
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