Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Hugging yourself
• Part 2 of 3: Finding other ways to cuddle
• Part 3 of 3: Put a hugging heart under your belt

Getting a hug is a great feeling. It can instantly improve your mood, making you feel safe and appreciated. Sometimes, however, there is no one around who can give you that hug you need. If you're having a bad day, experiencing mental or physical pain, or just want a little affection, why not give yourself some love? Hugging yourself is the perfect way to stimulate your mind and remind you that you are loved.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Hugging yourself

1. Wrap your arms around yourself. Bring your left arm across your chest and place your left hand on your right shoulder or upper arm. Bring your right arm across your chest and place your hand on your left shoulder or upper arm. You can reverse the order: just find a position that is most comfortable for you.
   • If you prefer, you can also wrap your arms more around your midsection. Experiment with the placement of your arms and hands until you find a position that is most comfortable.
2. Give yourself a good hug. Press both arms against your body. Simulate the pressure you feel when you get a reassuring bear hug. Don't squeeze so hard as to be painful, just enough to make you feel safe.
   • If you are in any kind of physical pain, hugging yourself can lessen the pain. Crossing your arms in a self-hug can confuse the brain, reducing the feeling of pain.
3. Hold yourself for as long as you need to. Sometimes a quick hug is all you need, other times you may want a long, soft hug. The great thing about hugging yourself is that you know exactly how long the hug lasts. Nothing is uncomfortable when you hug yourself!
   • Physical touch releases oxytocin, a hormone associated with the formation of social bonds. Cuddling yourself can release oxytocin and help you calm down and relax during stressful times.
   • Keep squeezing until you feel a sense of calm. Repeat this if necessary.

Part 2 of 3: Finding other ways to cuddle

1. Hug a pillow. This is a great, gentle way to get the comfort of a hug without another person. If you don't have a pillow nearby, you can cuddle anything, such as a blanket, jacket, backpack, or any other soft-textured item.
   • If the object is not yours, you must either ask for permission to hug it, wait until no one is looking, or find something else. If someone notices you hugging their backpack, they will likely find this rather strange and may even be irritated.
2. Cuddle with an animal. There is nothing more reassuring than a furry dog ​​or cat hug. It is best to cuddle your own pet. If you don't have a pet, you may be able to cuddle someone else's, but again, you must first ask the owner's permission. If you don't have a cuddly animal around, get a big, furry stuffed animal.
   • Petting an animal can help you relax by lowering your blood pressure and decreasing stress hormones.
   • Make sure it is a friendly animal. Just because it's fluffy doesn't mean it's nice! You don't want to be bitten.
3. Embrace nature. There's nothing like going outside and getting some love from nature. When you're all set, go outside and find a nice sunny patch of grass to relax in. Spread your arms wide and imagine hugging all of nature. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and feel the earth hug you again.
   • Spending some time in the sun can help lift the mood, so it works best when the weather is nice. Just wear sunscreen!
   • If the weather is bad, sit by a window and appreciate the weather you have. Marvel at the beauty of the rain, the force of thunder or the tranquility of the snow. Cuddle yourself or something soft while taking in the outdoors.
4. Find virtual or long distance hugging partners. Post a status on Facebook that you need a hug, and you're sure to get some "hug messages" in response. Just knowing that others love you is sometimes all it takes to feel the relief of a hug. You can also call, text, or FaceTime someone you love, such as a friend or family member.
   • While virtual hugs aren't quite the same as physical hugs, an encouraging conversation can put you in a good mood.

Part 3 of 3: Put a hugging heart under your belt

1. Leave messages for yourself. This is an easy way to get the warm, fuzzy feeling of a hug, and it's just as easy. Leave little messages around your house to lift your mood when you need it most. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   • Leave a note on the bathroom mirror saying, "You are beautiful."
   • Stick a note on the steering wheel of your car saying, "Have a great day - it'll work!"
   • Put a note in your lunch bag saying, "You're doing great! Keep it up!'
   • If words and phrases don't help you, consider using pictures. You can use photos printed from the internet or draw something yourself.
2. Treat yourself. If you're having a terrible day and don't have anyone around to help, treat yourself. However, don't make it a habit or it will lose its charm. For instance:
   • If you rarely go to a spa, treat yourself to a manicure and / or pedicure.
   • Get a cup of ice cream and put on your favorite movie.
   • Get in your car and go wild to your all-time favorite pop music.
   • Are you indulging in a purchase that you have denied yourself for a long time. If you've been wanting those shoes for a while, get them!
3. Send yourself gifts. Order a box of chocolates, a bouquet with beautiful flowers or something nice from your favorite online store for yourself. It is always nice to receive a package. Who cares if you ordered it yourself? You shouldn't spend money ordering things online every time you have a bad day, but you can do this every now and then, by giving yourself a small gift when there's no one around to give you a hug.
   • Keep in mind that the package doesn't arrive the next day, and you might feel better by the time it does arrive.
   • This is a great option if you are going through a difficult time, such as the death of a family member or a breakup.