Very Happy Phil

Hello!

How are you? Have you had a hug today?!

Hugging makes us happy! I will give you an example; researchers asked one group of students to give and receive at least five hugs a day for four weeks and although students averaged just over one hug a day all students boosted their happiness! (Students averaged 49 hugs over the four weeks)

Have you ever given out free hugs to strangers in the street? Juan Mann did in Sydney three years ago and continues to give out free hugs during his lunch break every Thursday. He became so famous when his video was viewed online by 24 million people that he was invited to meet Oprah on her show! I found his short video clip below inspiring;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

I will tell you a little story; I went to meet Juan one Thursday last time I was in Sydney but wasn’t out hugging that day so I gave out FREE HUGS instead! Armed with my Journal above my head ‘FREE HUGS’ written on both sides I stood there for 5mins 45 seconds before my first hug! (*I was giving out real hugs! Big hugs, not fake hugs, half hugs or tough kid one arm hugs!) About one in thirty people were brave enough to come up for a hug. I think the ratio would have been higher with a less self conscious crowd or party drinkers! I have seen people with FREE HUGS T-shirts too. Great idea! I encourage everyone to give out free hugs where ever you go. You WILL boost your happiness and that of people you hug! Spread happiness!

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me;

“HIV is not transmitted through touch.”
-Tamara L. Saimons, Staff Nurse, University of New Mexico

“With a full body hug there is a sense of complete giving and fearless.”
-Dr Sidney Simon, ‘Caring, Feeling, Touching’

“Hugging is healthy. It helps the body's immune system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it's invigorating, it's rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.”
-quote from ‘Chicken soup for the soul’

"Touch is an important component of attachment as it creates bonds between two individuals." Dr Achal Bhagat, psychiatrist

“A hug a day keeps the blues away” (Clipman 1999)

Hugging is healthy! Hugging is one of the secrets of happy couples!

Hugging good for our heart! Hugging boosts our happiness!

Make someone’s day, give them a hug!

Wishing you love and happiness!

Have a happy HUGGING day!

Keep HAPPY!

Very Happy Phil HUGS
:)

Remember,
“Hugging makes us happy! Hugging is a good way to start the day!”
– Very Happy Phil