Sometimes when my second son gets upset, he has a hard time figuring out how to regulate his emotions (like all kids…and some adults!) And SO he and I came up with something called The Mississippi Hug and I want to share it with you.
Have you heard of the 8 second hug? Not only does it feel good to be comforted by our loved ones, but it also releases oxytocin. Oxytocin is the “feel good” chemical that releases in our brain when we connect with others IN PERSON (you can’t get the release through digital connection) So not only do you get a release of oxytocin when you hug BUT did you know that if you hug for at least 8 seconds, even MORE oxytocin is released? If you make sure to hug tight especially just above the shoulder blades, you’ll get that extra boost! And who doesn’t want that?
The Mississippi Hug actually is much longer than 8 seconds. My son, Tripp, decided we needed to be extra sure to get that good, long hug in and I'm not complainin'!
If he asks or needs a Mississippi Hug, I get down on my knees, so we are the same height and we hug each other tight and both say the following rhyme…
One Mississippi and Two,
Three Mississippi with You,
Four Mississippi and Five,
Six Mississippi, Hold Tight,
Seven Mississippi and Eight,
Nine Mississippi, Just Wait,
Ten Mississippi, All Snug,
I feel good with a Mississippi Hug.
Comments