Send virtual hugs during this COVID-19 pandemic
Many people are missing human touch during this pandemic. They are also missing out from the profound benefits of touch and hugs for human beings. And these benefits go both ways-that is, we benefit from both giving and receiving hugs.
Proven benefits of touch and hugs
- Reduces stress. There is evidence that hugging releases oxytocin, one of the hormones that decreases stress responses in our bodies.
- Boosts immune system.
- Fosters feelings of social connectedness and inclusion (thereby reducing social isolation and loneliness)
- Reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.
While there is a great deal of evidence that hugs are good for us, most of us already intuitively know this. Our language may be different -it’s that warm and fuzzy feeling we get when we give or receive a hug. Even though nothing is necessarily “fixed” or changed, we do tend to feel better after a good hug.
So how many hugs are prescribed for each day? It has been suggested that hugging be part of our daily routine – our Vitamin H, as it were.
A hug may be just what you need to get through some difficult moments during this pandemic. Maybe it is what you need after a trying homeschool session. Or maybe it is after a phone call with your mom or dad and you are really missing them or are feeling worried about them. Or maybe it is what you want to give to someone who is struggling and could use some support.
Virtual hugs are the next best thing
Our physical hugs are limited to members of our household right now (and you may not always be in hugging mode after being cooped up- just sayin’). A virtual hug, then, is the next best thing for people outside your household-moms, dads, other relatives, neighbours, etc. While obviously nothing can replace a physical hug, the love and support that triggers the desire to give a hug in the first place, can still be felt.
Enhancing the feel of a virtual hug
Want to amplify the feeling? Just follow these 3 simple steps:
- Set out a clear intention.
What is it you are sending exactly? Is it love, support? How do you want the person to feel?
- Now, remember an amazing hug you have either given or received from someone in the past.
Really delve into that memory and relive it as best you can. Where were you at the time? What were the circumstances? What were you wearing? How did it feel? Were there any scents? Textures? Try to remember as many details as you can. This is the experience of savouring. You can savour a good cup of coffee and you can reminisce and savour a hug. What were you feeling at the time? How are you feeling now that you’re imagining it?
- Finally, take that feeling and press send. Love transcends space. It will be felt.
Even before this pandemic, there were reports that, for Western culture at least, human touch was on the decline. People are spending more time touching their phones than the people in their lives (if research at quintessential hugging hotspots-airports -is any indication). Maybe the upside of this pandemic will be a return to more human touch and hugging. For now, anyway, most of us know someone who could use a hug, and a virtual hug is not just better than nothing, it counts! I imagine even some of those non-huggers out there (saying hello to my sister) might be interested in receiving one.
Let’s do this. Who is the first person you are going to send a virtual hug?
hi to my son, daughter-in-law,lisa, and my two,sweet grand-daughters,kayla & zoe, just sending you all a great, big hug, till the day when we can visit again and have real hugs, love you all.
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you… I love you…I am here for you…. Get well!!
Beautiful!
Hello people of the internet, I’m so glad u made it through these hard times. Just know that even if I or anyone else whose out there wanting to give you a hug is still having the same desire. Thanks to this website, I help you realize that UR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL , CARING AND LOVING PERSON AND I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS PANDEMIC TO END. THANKS FOR BEING YOU. LOVE YOU<3
Testing
Your testing worked!
Take good care, Jane
I love Hugs & I’m working from, I’m a person with a physical disability and use to been hug on daily basis, I walk walk with forarm crutches & not able to shake hands with others, so everyone greets me with hugs & kisses. I’m feeling like Covid-19 has clipped my wings. So I truly believe that my workplace allows me to work from home for my safety. I’ve been sending virtual hugs for months ?
I stumbled on this sight tonight when I wanted to confirm my spelling on virtual hugs.
Thank you for creating this and giving the breakdown on the benefits. I’m so missing interaction with others. I sometimes feel imprison in my home.
Thanks very much virtual hug ?
Hi T-Maria,
Thanks so much for taking the time to write. Its so hard when you are used to daily hugs, and while virtual ones aren’t the same, I know, they are the next best thing in terms of sentiment. Take good care.
Hello,
Did you get your hug??
This virtual hug is for you as you go through some stressful times. Just sorry cannot be there tomorrow to give you a real hug
Love Den
Sending a hug! I hope you know how much I love you and miss you! I’m thinking about our last hug and kiss!
Love you!
Mark
just thought you’d love this!! Mom
Hi to Paul C our fearless Q LOR Manager. Sending you this big hug on your special day.
My Dear Nancy,
You are going through a terrible time now, but it has a happy ending. I’m sending you this virtual Hug and wish I was there to really hug you. I love you, and considered yourself hugged!
Love,
Mom
Donna, prayers still coming your way. Hope you are feeling better soon
Love and blessings
Mae
Grandma I Love You I Love Your Jokes And How You Always Say That Im Your Favorite Nine Year Old Grandson (Even Though Im Your Only One!) I Love You!
Oh Braiden, thanks so much for posting this beautiful loving message!
Elizz
love you – can’t wait to give you big hugs when I get home!!! this will have to do for now 🙂
a hug for ya
Te adoro
sendning you lots of love
To all my current teachers and those of you I look forward to having in the future..Thank you for all that you have taught and shown me this year.. Your teaching methods and over all mission has made the biggest impact in my self esteem and confidence. The amount of time and interest in my education
that you show me provides me with that one in one extra care Ive needed all these years to excell in my understanding. You Doral the most important and special people in my life HUGS HUGS AND BLOW KISSES TO MY LEARNING TEAM!!
Happy Valentines Day
THANK YOU FOR. BEING YOU..
Love
Rome HOLLOWAY
i hate papaya but if you were one i love it .
Miss you hugs..
Miss you
Hi mony, you gonna be okay i promise. I love you so much 🙂 <3
So wish this hug could be in person
Hugs!
I will love you forever
~babe
Hi There,
I saw your article on Sending Virual Hugs during this COVIN-19 pandemic. I was hoping you would like to expand on the article and maybe add a link to VidHug. We help you celebrate joyful moments with friends and family and co-works with a virtual Hug montage. Please take a look at our website VidHug.com. I hope you think it falling in line with your article nicely.
Do you think it would be a good fit for the article? I’d love to get your thoughts.
Thanks for considering,
Patti
Customer Success
Hi there,
I have sent your request to our business/marketplace staff. Thank you for your interest.
I wish I’m there for you, be strong. I love you so much. We haven’t talk for a long time and I really miss you dear brother.? God is good. He is a healer, we just have to believe in him. I’m claiming it, you will be healed. ?☝️
I LOVE YOU BABY! MANY SQUEEZES THROUGH THIS 🙂 🙁 🙂 🙁 🙂 🙁 TYPE OF DAY <3 <3 <3
hey, I just wanted you to know that I don’t believe in love and love you even more each day I love you so much my soulmate and I love you so much my dear friend and I love you so much my dear friend
Missing our Hugs!
i luv u more than da world itself
ily jinji<8 4ever
To Clyshan, Ejja taaa don’t cry over him.Ic-chance jigik<3 lyyyy
From Claivert
Hugs/ to/ my/ future/wife
Hey there, I know it’s been a tough year, and seems to be getting tougher but stay strong hey.. you have a big strong heart and things will work out for the best. Stay positive – here is a tight hug from me to you.. tc, V
sending
te extraño…
-c
You have earned one more day tomorrow by the work you did today.
Oi oi meu amor, já que não posso te dar um abracinho pessoalmente vai aqui o meu virtual❤️ Estou aqui paea você!
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH<3
YOU ARE THE BEST AND SWEETEST PERSON. I’M HAPPY TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE.
You’re an awesome aunt, a great daughter, and an amazing person, You deserve to be told everyday you’re doing a great job cause you are !
Te amo tanto, tal vez no estemos juntos en este momento pero con este mensaje te haré sentir como si estuviera contigo físicamente, pero lo importante es que lo que nos mantiene unidos es la conexión que tenemos, virtual hug mi amor
heyyy
Thinking of you xx
My heart aches for Randy, You,Justin, Alyssa and Kyle. You are all in my thoughts all day long. So so sorry!!!
Love you!!!
Thinking of all of you!!!
Here’s a virtual hug from me to you 😉
????
virtual hug for you?keep your head up!
Um abraço bem apertadinho
Um abraço bem apertadinho
Mom happy birthday I love you so much
hi
I love you Devon. We cant snuggle or hug, but heres a virtual snuggle hug
Hugs sent across the world to my husband where ever you are, The holiday season is not the same without you and may cant get here fast enough. Hurry Home Love Nicole, Hunter and Henley.
Um abraçinho bem apertadinho, gosto muito de ti
Um abraço apertadinho para ti, gosto muito de ti
ola
A hug to make you warm..
Love you.
Hi
Sending you all the hugs