December 2018: Hugs for Health & Teens?

Did you know that teens still need hugs everyday?  As a mother of two teens I know that sometimes it can be hard to find a spare moment to hug your teen.  Research shows that hugs are important for both their wellbeing and yours!  Apparently the average time a hug lasts is 3 seconds, but did you know that hugs that last 20 seconds or more, actually have a therapeutic effect on the body?  When we embrace each other, oxytocin is released and this is the hormone that strengthens bonds between people and helps us feel calm, relaxed, and safe.  Research has also shown that hugs boost important neurochemicals in our bodies such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.  This can help prevent disease, lower blood pressure, improve self-esteem, mood and of course strengthen relationships!  So when you get together with your loved ones this holiday, even (perhaps especially) if they are teenagers, make sure you give lots of hugs!