Auntie Deb's Anti-Stress
Tip of the Month
A February Valentine
Since February is my birth month, I tend to get introspective as I
contemplate becoming another year older. All the stores are promoting Valentine's
cards, candy and gifts. The word "Love" gets bandied about quite a bit this time
of year, especially romantic love. But the fact of the matter is that modern
people are touch-starved. Our society has over-sexualized the touch that does
exist; we have lost the art of the non-sexual touch. We all need non-sexual
touch. Babies who are not touched will die. Older children who are not touched
never become socialized and are incapable of forming relationships of any kind.
Adults who do not receive touch are more prone to illness and depression. And like infants,
the elderly who don't receive touch are prone to die.
Amongst the community of psychological experts, three hugs per day is considered
the absolute minimum. But for truly good emotional health, twelve hugs a day are
recommended. "Oh no!" you say. How am I ever going to get my RDA of appropriate
non-sexual touch (i.e. hugs, pats on the back, handshakes, etc.). Well, the truly
wonderful thing about hugs is that it's hard to give one without getting one back.
Hug your spouse, hug your children, hug your friends. Affection is contagious.
It also lowers your blood pressure, gives you a sense of well-being and helps keep
you healthy.
Of course, massage is another way of getting nurturing, healthy, non-sexual
touch. So be good to yourself, call for a massage today. Valentine gift certificates
are available all of February.
PEACE AND GOOD HEALTH
from Auntie Deb
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Last Revised on 1 January 1998
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