High on hugs: Or, how I confused oxycontin and oxytocin.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 9:59PM 
I've been making good use of my commute the past two weeks by listening to audiobooks. I started Gretchen Rubin's, The Happiness Project
As I was listening on the way to work this morning I found Gretchen's section on hugs worthy of adding to my little mental list of action items. She talks about research that shows that holding hugs for at least 6 seconds promotes the body's release of oxytocin, a natural mood-booster.
"Now this is a train I could jump on!", I thought. Hugs rock my socks off as it is and there is absolutely no reason I can't hug a little longer, a little more often.
So after we got settled in at home tonight, I walked over to Dan and specifically asked for a 6 second hug. He obliged, but asked why. I stated, quite matter of factly, that "hugs that last 6 seconds or longer promote the release of oxycontin." We both busted out laughing. It was a classic Carmen moment. I'm known for mixing up words... I get it from my mom. (Sorry mom. It's true... and I love you for it.)
I love that in addition to getting my oxytocin on and some laughter, I also got an inside joke out of the deal. It will now be perfectly acceptable for me to walk up to my husband and tell him that I need my fix... and he'll give me a 6 second hug.
Go get your fix. Hugs, not drugs!
Get your happy on!
xo,
Carmen
Reader Comments (10)
That's great Carmen. I'm a huge hugger!! I love hugs--giving and receiving--and I never let go until the other person does---that's been my philosophy since I was little!!! And...my job--I have to say, is so beautiful because I get showered with hugs each day!!!
Big hugs to you!!!
I LOVE this story! It made me giggle out loud. I'm a big hugger, so I'm happy to have this validation of my favorite expression of affection. And I think it's so cool that you got a private joke out of it. I think that sharing private jokes with someone is part of what makes us close to that person.
Thanks so much for stopping by my site and leaving an encouraging comment about the upcoming podcast project. I'm really looking forward to interviewing you and getting to know you better!
just the sort of thing i do all the time, too. a good chuckle all around.
Love this post. Hugs are just about the best mode of communication in the whole world. There's nothing more comforting, fulfilling, soothing to the soul , and feeling that we're connecting with someone -than with a wonderful hug. And so- hugs to you! Jill
loved this. MUCHO.
hugs ARE amazing...maybe we just need enough time for love to come through & nourish us!
very lovely...& i loved eat pray love too!!! o
www.allididwaslisten.blogspot.com
Oh, Carmen...LOL......you are the best!
And, hey...we both posted roses this week....:)
I am lucky I still got LOTS of 6 seconds hugs from my 6 yrs old boy.
Get to stock that oxytocin as much as I still can, don't you think?
Good luck on your side there.
Huggs.....
You are so cute with the Oxycontin mistake! Sounds just like something I would say and my mother is the same way too I also love your Random Acts of Kindness acts. How special it was for the stranger to find your gift on the bench. I just found your blog and I'm so glad I did. I'm becoming a follower so I can enjoy your postings some more.
Lee Ann
encouragement-is-contagious.blogspot.com
I'm fantastically gifted at mixing up my words, and I got it from my mom too! Finally a Carmen I can understand :) Heading off to tell my husband I need a 6 second hug.
Yep, this sounds just like me! I have had my share of saying things like this, sometimes I will do it on purpose to make my hubbub laugh... such as the other day... I needed to get a sling for my arm because I needed to rest my shoulder (from tendanitus) so I was looking at the slings and I said, "oh no, it looks like they don't have any slings for right arms!" My hubbub almost busted his gut laughing! I love days like these! Laughing is good medicine and I agree say yes to hugs and no to drugs!!!!
Happy smiles to you.