For huggers across America, and around the world, the struggle is real. During this period of social distancing us huggers are missing the joy that comes with physical contact. It’s hard to replace the mental and physical benefits of hugs, and how they can help us feel more connected with the people around us, but it is possible. You can send love with a virtual hug!
Virtual or mental hugs, delivered from a distance or online, can stand-in for a traditional embrace by surrounding people with love and positivity even when we are unable to put our arms around them. Just the act of imagining that you’re hugging someone can make you feel more positive, empathetic, and less stressed. It is possible to navigate these tough times.
While the technology for remote touch is being developed, you need only a computer screen to give an impactful virtual hug to someone who needs it.
Here are three simple steps to help you spread love, joy, and connection with online hugs.
1. Set an intention.
Thinking positive and supportive thoughts aligns your energy with the person you are hugging. Focus on holding the person you are virtually hugging in your heart and mind for the duration of your hug.
2. Use sign language
Use the sign for a hug to send the message that you’d like to send them the benefits of a hug. Make each hand into a fist and cross your arms over one another, like you are giving yourself a big hug.
3. Make direct eye contact.
Eye contact is one of the most powerful ways to make a person feel recognized, validated, and understood. Eye contact creates better connections and enriches relationships. Look directly into the eyes of the person you are virtually hugging while making the sign for a hug and reflecting on your positive intention for them.
4. Hold the space for 15-20 seconds.
They say the average human hug is about three seconds. In the world of transformation, we focus on hugs that are 15-20 seconds long, to allow more energy and intention to pass between people. Try to hold onto the space you’ve created for your virtual hug for at least 15 seconds to make it as impactful as possible.
While we stay physically apart to improve the health and safety of everyone, we can use virtual hugs to raise our vibration, and spread human connection, love, and joy wherever we are.
Help harness the collective power of virtual hugs by joining the iHug Movement’s Intentional Hugs Happy Hour. Every Monday, we’ll gather together to virtually embrace members of our society who need it most during this challenging time. Visit the iHug Movement Facebook page to see the schedule and join us in delivering virtual hugs to healthcare providers, first responders, teachers, and more.
LuAnn Buechler, CMP, Passionate Business Owner, Author, Transformational Speaker
Passionate about everything she does. LuAnn uses her unique personality and experiences to relate to her audiences in delivering passionate presentations that inspire people to achieve the success they desire in business and in life. As a Certified Facilitator of The Passion Test, LuAnn shares with audiences a simply yet powerful system (Saving Your Self Time Energy & Money) to determine your true passions and set a course to living your life’s destiny.
As a director for BNI (Business Network International), LuAnn has built a repertoire of presentations on networking skills and relationship marketing which she uniquely relates to delivering high quality customer service.
Caring is the ultimate competitive advantage. LuAnn delivers Customer Service training with the same passion that she delivers customer service in her own event management business. When you hire LuAnn to speak at your events, you get the added value of a professional event planner. LuAnn has unique ability to capture the audience with her passionate, energetic personality. For testimonials from past participants visit www.pmcevents.com/testimonials. And call LuAnn to discuss your next event.
LuAnn is also a part of the Transformational Leadership Council working team. An organization created by Jack Canfield, best-selling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, where transformational leaders share best practices and co-create humanitarian projects to transform the world.
Free Gift from LuAnn: 7 principals of Living with Passion – https://www.livinghealthylist.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/7-principals-of-Living-with-Passion-1.pdf