It's National Hugging Day!

Recovery is hard work, so it’s nice to hear now and again that some simple things can help get you through the day, feel better and boost your health and overall recovery. And a hug can do just that – and more.

For one, hugging not only feels great but it’s critical to our physical and emotional survival. For example, babies without the benefits of touch can become depressed and stop eating – it’s called “failure to thrive.”

6 Reasons to Get Your Hug On
In honor of National Hugging Day today, we take a look at a few great reasons to share a hug with a loved one, trusted friend or recovery peer today.

1. You’ll boost your immunity: Not only can hugging decrease your chances of getting a cold, but you’ll also have fewer symptoms if you do get sick, according to researchers. This is mainly due to the stress-buffering effects of hugging.
2. You’ll be less stressed: Getting a tight squeeze is a great way to reduce tension. And, according to studies, the effects of hugging last. It will help you calm down before a stressful situation – for example, a job interview or medical test – and it can help you stay cool and collected during the event.
3. You’ll sleep better: Hugs have been found to increase serotonin, which not only boosts your mood but can be a natural sleep aid.
4. You’ll feel better about yourself: Hugs help connect us to our ability to self-love. This is because “the associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still imbedded in our nervous system as adults,” according to MindBodyGreen.com.
5. You’ll build trust: Hugs cause a surge of the hormone oxytocin, which leads to feelings of trust and connection, according to NPR.
6. You’ll improve your relationship: A hug is a simple way to re-affirm your love for someone. It’s a great way to reconnect and give each other the touch you may need.

A Helping Hand at Haus
Even with the recovery skills you’ve gained, you may need help keeping stress at bay, repairing relationships, trusting yourself and others and practicing self-care. One of the advantages of sober living at HAUS is having fellow residents and a wonderful support team to help you stay clean and respect yourself while you transition from treatment to “normal life.” To learn more about our mentoring services, call today: 888-551-4715.

Mindsets That Interfere With Happiness

As we begin the New Year, there’s been a lot of talk about resolutions or attainable goals that can help make you a healthier, happier you. Yet to meet your goals and achieve true happiness, many experts say you must first focus on your mindset.

If you’ve already been through rehab, you likely already understand the power of positive thinking – and how framing your mindset in the right way can help your recovery.

Along these same lines, the wrong mindset can hinder your recovery and your happiness. In fact, according to experts at Psychology Today, some common beliefs can make you feel bad, even when good things are happening to you. Here are a few:

If you wait for something bad to follow: This type of mindset can be anxiety-provoking and prevent you from fully enjoying the moment. It is possible for good things to happen without something bad happening, too.

If you often think, “I don’t deserve this:" Feeling unworthy of your achievements can make it near impossible to enjoy your successes. Recovery is hard work and you deserve to be happy and celebrate each small victory.

If you're worried that your happiness won’t last: Of course, the more you have, the more you have to lose. But this type of thinking can make it hard to stay in the moment and enjoy the present.

If you expect too much: When you place unrealistic expectations about how good you'll feel when something good happens, you can easily become unhappy. Recovery is hard work and meeting small goals won’t necessarily make you happy or sober – but it will eventually add up to something big!

Finding Happiness at Haus Recovery
At Haus Recovery, we believe sobriety is the beginning of a fun, fulfilling and lifelong adventure. To learn more about the joys of sober living in Santa Monica, call today: 888-551-4715.