A HAPPINESS BOOSTER!

[TornadoWoman]

As Dr. Oz said during one of his shows this week, "Giving a hug can be a Happiness Booster."  He mentioned the song, "4 Hugs a Day, That's the Minimum," and one of his guests that day mentioned that a researcher said that "We should give or receive 8 lingering hugs a day."  Sooooo.... Once again, it's an appropriate time to post this song!

Free Hugs in Italy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN8CKwdosjE

That same Dr. Oz show also mentioned that compared with non-smilers,  groups that smiled during stressful tasks - whether or not they were consciously aware of and trying to grin - had faster heart-rate recovery times after the tasks and lower self-reported levels of stress. Those with genuine smiles that reached the eyes had a slight advantage, but even those who smiled only with their mouths were less stressed than those who didn’t smile at all.  Researchers hypothesize that activating the facial muscles involved in smiling can stimulate certain brain regions associated with positive emotions, thus triggering those emotions and reducing the intensity of the body’s stress response.

[TornadoWoman]

A hug "back at ya" Maria - and here's a group hug to EVERYONE!

[Zochitl]

That is so beautiful. I loved that video. Hugs to you too. :-)

[TornadoWoman]

Thank you Zochitl!

[Dee Holland Eidson]

 I love the idea of giving hugs.When I feel down I love it when someone sends me or gives me a hug.I think we should all start each day hugging someone  hugs make a difference !

[Leftygrl]

What an inspirational video!  And that song always gives me chills.

It's amazing and heartwarming how many people hugged, and hugged strangers . . . men, women and children!

Here you go gang! >>> ((((Exhilarating Singles))))