EP 242 The Healing Power of Hugs: whether you like them or not with Jaci Finneman

Welcome Back No-Problem Parents!   Welcome to another Self-Care Sunday on the No Problem Parenting podcast. Today, we’re talking all things hugs – done right they do wonders for our well-being and our connection with our kids. How many hugs to you get and give on a daily basis?    Three benefits of a hug: Immune Booster Hugs boost our immune system.  The pressure of a hug stimulates the thymus gland, regulating white blood cell production and keeping you healthy. Hugs also balance your nervous system, increasing circulation and promoting a sense of balance between the fight/flight/freeze and rest and digest responses. Hugs help increase circulation and help balance our sympathetic (fight/flight/freeze) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems.   Emotional Nourishment Hugs go beyond the physical – they provide emotional nourishment too. Boosting oxytocin levels, hugs alleviate feelings of loneliness and anger. Sharing a hug is a shared experience, creating a sense of belonging. Hugs increase your feelings of safety. Hugs emotionally “feed” us, help us remember that we’re not alone, and help us feel more trust with others. Have you noticed how relaxed and calm you feel after a hug?  It's a reminder that we're not alone, and together, we can face any challenge. Hugs increase your feelings of belonging. They boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. Hugging is a shared experience: you’re both giving and receiving affection.   Self-Esteem Hug Extended hugs, those lasting 20 seconds or more, are like a serotonin boost for your mood. They increase feelings of self-esteem, importance, and self-love. Remember the warmth you felt as a child when your parents looked at you with affection? Hugs recreate that sense of being seen and loved.   Remember the goal is oxytocin and serotonin release,  hugs are not just physical gestures; they're powerful tools for our overall health and connection. So, if you haven’t already, intentionally create times in your day to your kids, partner and yourself, and let the healing power of hugs bring joy and calm into your day. Notice the change in your mood and well-being and the changes in your kids and teens.   Thank you for tuning in to the No Problem Parenting podcast - Please take a minute to share the podcast, comment or leave a review.   FREE PARENTING RESOURCES: 60 Ways to Respond to Your Kids without Losing Your Cool Make it Right Technique PDF Everyday Essential Solutions eBook for the whole family   Better Sleep: Decrease Stress with the 7 Day free trial of NuCalm Enter Code: NOPROBLEM for 15% off all products.   Become the Confident Leader Your Kids Crave you to be! Become a No-Problem Parent Book Your 90 Minute Strategy Session Put your oxygen mask on first: Find More Resources Here   FB - IG - LinkedIn - YouTube - Twitter - Threads   Check out our Books! No-Problem Parenting; Raising Your Kiddos with More Confidence and Less Fear No Problem Parenting; Resources and Stories that Create Confidence and Connection   Hugs and High Fives, You Got This!   Jaci Finneman 30 Year Counselor turned Parenting Advocate and Coach