Buzz
Discover the steps to embrace yourself and experience a sense of safety and comfort
Receiving a hug can be incredibly uplifting, offering a sense of security and appreciation. However, there are times when you might find yourself alone and in need of that comforting embrace. Whether you're having a tough day, dealing with pain, or simply yearning for affection, self-hugging can be a wonderful way to uplift your mood and remind yourself of your own worth and love.
Simple Steps to Hug Yourself
Cross your left arm over your chest, resting your left hand on your right shoulder or upper arm. Next, bring your right arm across your chest, placing your right hand on your left shoulder or upper arm. Gently squeeze yourself and hold the embrace for as long as you desire!
Instructions
Embracing Yourself
Encircle yourself with your arms. Cross your left arm over your chest, resting your left hand on your right shoulder or upper arm. Then, bring your right arm across your chest, placing your right hand on your left shoulder or upper arm. You can switch the order if it feels better—just choose the most comfortable position for you.
- Alternatively, you can wrap your arms around your midsection. Try different arm and hand placements until you find the most soothing position.
Apply a gentle, firm squeeze. Press your arms against your body, mimicking the comforting pressure of a warm bear hug. Avoid squeezing too tightly to the point of discomfort, but ensure it’s firm enough to evoke a sense of security.
- If you’re experiencing physical discomfort, a self-hug can help alleviate it. Crossing your arms in this manner can confuse the brain, reducing the perception of pain.
Hold the hug for as long as you need. Sometimes a brief hug suffices, while other moments call for a longer, more tender embrace. The beauty of self-hugging is that you decide the duration—there’s no awkwardness involved!
- Physical touch triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding and relaxation. Hugging yourself can stimulate oxytocin production, helping you feel calmer during stressful situations.
- Continue the embrace until you feel a wave of tranquility. Repeat as often as needed.
Exploring Other Forms of Hugs
Embrace a pillow. This is a wonderful, gentle way to experience the comfort of a hug without needing another person. If a pillow isn’t available, you can hug other soft-textured items like a blanket, jacket, backpack, or similar objects.
- If the item isn’t yours, make sure to ask for permission, wait until no one is around, or choose something else. Hugging someone else’s belongings without consent might lead to confusion or irritation.
Snuggle with a pet. Few things are as soothing as receiving a warm, furry hug from a dog or cat. Ideally, hug your own pet. If you don’t have one, you can hug someone else’s pet, but always ask the owner first. If pets aren’t an option, consider getting a high-quality stuffed animal.
- Interacting with animals can help you unwind by reducing blood pressure and stress hormones.
- Ensure the animal is friendly. Not all fluffy creatures are gentle—avoid getting bitten!
Embrace the outdoors. There’s something uniquely uplifting about stepping outside and soaking in the love of nature, basking in sunlight and fresh air. If you’re feeling low, head outside and find a sunny spot on the grass to relax. Stretch your arms wide and imagine hugging the entire natural world. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel the earth embracing you in return.
- Sunlight can boost your mood, so this works best on pleasant days. Don’t forget sunscreen!
- If the weather isn’t ideal, sit by a window and appreciate the beauty of rain, the energy of a thunderstorm, or the serenity of snow. Hug yourself or something soft while enjoying the view.
Connect with virtual or long-distance huggers. Share a post on Facebook saying you need a hug, and you’ll likely receive comments like, “Sending hugs your way!” Sometimes, just knowing others care can provide the same relief as a physical hug. You can also call, text, or video chat with a loved one, such as a friend or family member.
- While virtual hugs aren’t the same as physical ones, an uplifting conversation can still give you those positive feelings.
Offering Yourself Affirmations Similar to Hugs
Write encouraging notes for yourself. This simple yet effective method can evoke the same comforting feelings as a hug. Scatter uplifting messages around your home to lift your spirits when you need it most. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Place a sticky note on your bathroom mirror that reads, “You’re stunning.”
- Attach a note to your steering wheel saying, “Today’s going to be amazing—you’ve got this!”
- Slip a note into your lunchbox with the message, “You’re crushing it! Keep going!”
- If words aren’t your thing, try using images instead. Print pictures from the internet or draw your own doodles.
Indulge in self-care. When you’re having a rough day and no one’s around to comfort you, pamper yourself. Just avoid making it a habit, as it might lose its special appeal. For instance:
- If you seldom go to the spa, treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure.
- Grab a pint of ice cream and watch your favorite movie.
- Blast your favorite nostalgic tunes and sing along in your car.
- Go ahead and buy that item you’ve been hesitating on—like those shoes you’ve been eyeing!
Surprise yourself with gifts. Order a box of chocolates, a stunning bouquet, or something fun from your go-to online store. Receiving a package is always exciting, even if you’re the one who sent it! While you can’t splurge on online shopping every time you’re feeling down, treating yourself occasionally can be a wonderful way to lift your spirits when you’re in need of a hug.
- Remember, deliveries take time, so by the time your gift arrives, you might already be feeling better.
- This is especially helpful during tough times, like after a breakup or the loss of a loved one.
