Tips for giving yourself a hug

Tips for giving yourself a hug
By: Marissa Anteby

You deserve a hug for all the things you do for so many people. You may be surprised when I tell you who the best person is, to give you this hug. It's you! And there's no better time to get your hug, than right now.

Here’s a simple Mind/Body exercise you can do to clear out your subconscious cobwebs and stagnant energy:
1-  Stand tall, with your feet hip distance apart.

2-  Give yourself a big hug.

3-  Inhale, as you open your arms as wide as you can, throwing your arms behind you.

4-  Exhale, as you close your arms, embracing yourself once again.

5-  Repeat #2 thru #4, for a cycle of 8 repetitions.


For a bigger lift to your spirits, add the following variations:

1-  Go as slow as you can, with your arm movements and breathing.

2-  Turn your head to the right as you inhale.

3-  Turn your head to the left as you exhale.



If you're feeling really brave, you might try adding some words to your movements:
1-  Say the word “big,” as you open your arms.

2-  Say the word “thanks,” as you close your arms.

3-  Giving yourself, “big thanks!"

You can even mix and match the variations or make up your own. Just remember to always be gentle with yourself. The object is to show a little appreciation to yourself, not get stressed out. After all, even though we never take the time to do it, thanking ourselves for all that we do, may be the most important gift of gratitude.

Marissa Anteby
marissa@embodyinc.com
www.embdodyinc.com

6 Comments so far
Linda says:
May 2, 2010 at 7:27 AM
This was great; a nice break to release tension from sitting at the computer! Thanks so much.

April 30, 2010 at 6:09 PM
Ok Moms, after you’re done giving yourself a hug, give yourself a real gift. How about hiring a Reading Specialist to help your youngsters with their decoding skills, fluency and comprehension? Not sure what those terms mean, not to worry, Kelly Massry does! She works with Kindergarten through six grade, at all levels and abilities. Contact her rjemal@gm.slc.edu

April 30, 2010 at 2:36 PM
More Mother’s Day gift ideas: Esther Faham has a line of modern boxes filled with her assorted homemade baked goods. Contact her ebfaham@aol.com

April 30, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Great Mother’s Day gift idea: send a professionally written poem! Michele Terzi, of ‘Rhyme on a Dime’ will turn your thoughts in to a treasured keepsake.
 micheleterzi@aol.com

Stacey says:
April 30, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Marissa, you’re the best. I wish I could give you a hug.

April 30, 2010 at 1:08 PM
Looking for something more than a hug to give on Mother’s Day? Contact Eileen Benun of Bgirlz esbenun@yahoo.com. She’s selling girls accessories, pocketbooks, wristlets, beach bags, etc. at SCC Boutique Show May 3 & 4. From $17 & up.