Many people feel calm and comfortable when hugged. In addition to providing a sense of security, hugs make you feel appreciated so that your mood improves. Unfortunately, there isn't necessarily someone who can hug you when you want to be hugged. Do not worry! Hug yourself when you're feeling down, body aches, or just want to feel loved. So, learn to love yourself to lift your spirits and remind yourself that you deserve to be loved by hugging yourself.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Hugging Yourself
Step 1. Wrap your arms around your body
Cross your left arm in front of your chest and hold your right shoulder with your left hand. Then, cross your right arm in front of your chest and hold your left shoulder or left upper arm with your right hand. You can change the order, but make sure you're comfortable.
Alternatively, cross one arm across the chest and the other across the stomach. Move your palms to find the most comfortable arm position
Step 2. Give yourself a warm hug
Cross your arms in front of your body, then press slightly until you feel like you are being hugged tightly, but not too tightly; just until you feel comfortable.
Hugging yourself can reduce pain. Crossing your arms to hug yourself can manipulate your brain to reduce pain
Step 3. Hug yourself as long as you want
Sometimes a quick hug will suffice, but next time, you may want to linger in a warm, tight hug. You are free to determine the length of the hug because you do it yourself. Feel free to hug yourself while reaping the benefits!
- Physical touch can stimulate the body to produce oxytocin, a hormone that is beneficial for increasing intimacy. When you hug yourself, the secretion of the hormone oxytocin makes you feel calm and comfortable when you are in a stressful situation.
- Hug yourself until you feel calm and do it over and over again as you wish.
Part 2 of 3: Hugging Something
Step 1. Hug bolster
This will help you enjoy the comfort of a soft and cuddly hug without other people. If you don't have a bolster, use something else that feels soft to cuddle, such as a blanket, jacket, or backpack.
If you want to hug someone else's thing, ask permission first, make sure no one is looking, or use your own. The backpack owner may be confused or upset if he sees you hugging his backpack without asking your permission
Step 2. Hug the pet
Hugging a furry animal, such as a dog or cat, is great fun, but it's best if you cuddle your own pet. If you don't have one, you can cuddle someone else's pet, but don't forget to ask permission. If you don't have pets, buy a plush doll that is large.
- Hugging an animal helps normalize high blood pressure and lowers stress hormones so you feel relaxed.
- Choose a tame animal. Furry animals aren't necessarily safe to cuddle with! Don't let yourself be bitten.
Step 3. Embrace the universe
Being outdoors while enjoying the beauty of nature is a very pleasant experience. If you're feeling down, take the time to take a leisurely walk in the park while enjoying the warmth of the sun. Spread your arms out while imagining you are hugging the universe. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel nature hugging you.
- Exposure to sunlight can improve mood. So, do activities in the wild when the weather is sunny. Don't forget to protect your skin with sunscreen!
- If the weather is not friendly, sit by the window and learn to accept the current weather conditions. Admire the beauty of nature, the raindrops, the thunderous thunder, and the cool breeze. Hug yourself or a plush doll while admiring the beauty of nature.
Step 4. Find a partner to hug virtually or remotely
Write a status on Facebook that you want to be hugged and without waiting, someone replies, "Sending hugs!" Sometimes, you can feel the joy of a hug simply knowing that you are loved. In addition, you can call, send messages, or chat with loved ones, such as close friends or family members.
Although virtual hugs and physical hugs are very different, you can feel the positive vibes of supportive conversation
Part 3 of 3: Saying Positive Affirmations
Step 1. Write a letter to yourself
This will help you enjoy the comfort you feel when you're hugged without having to strain. If you're upset, write some positive affirmations on a piece of paper and post them at various places in the house. For example:
- Stick a Post-It sheet on the bathroom mirror that says, "You're beautiful."
- Write on a piece of paper, "Nice day. Success always!" then glue it on the steering wheel of the car.
- Put a small piece of paper in a lunch bag that says, "You're great! Cheers!"
- If positive words and phrases don't work, use pictures, such as photos printed from websites or draw up an uplifting doodle.
Step 2. Give yourself a gift
Pamper yourself if you're upset, but there's no one to talk to. To make it more fun, do things differently than usual, for example:
- If you rarely go to the salon, enjoy a manicure and/or pedicure to pamper yourself.
- Enjoy a big bowl of ice cream while watching your favorite movie.
- Sit in the car and play your favorite high school pop song.
- Buy something you've been wanting for a long time, but you want to save on. If you want to buy basketball shoes, buy them!
Step 3. Send yourself a gift
Order a box of chocolates, a bunch of fragrant roses, or a favorite souvenir online. Receiving a package feels very nice even if you order it yourself. Don't waste money buying things every time you're upset, but it's okay to give yourself a small gift every now and then when no one can hug you.
- Keep in mind that the goods ordered will only arrive a few days later. Maybe you already feel calm when the package is received.
- This method is especially effective when you are feeling sad, for example, because you have lost your job or have had your heart broken.
