Hello there! If you’re reading for the first time or just stopping by for the fun, I’m doing a “Happy Holidays” wellness challenge to help you cultivate more health and happiness the rest of 2014. Catch up on the details on how to join and win the prizes. Or if it already sounds like a good idea, sign up below.

Get High on Hugs

Do you know one thing that we can give and receive that’s absolutely free is that feeling of warm, comfort, and safety that makes you feel all happy inside.

Nothing delivers it better and quicker then a hug. When you hug someone, you feel an emotional “high” and it’s absolutely chemical. 

Enter oxytocin (i.e. the cuddle hormone, the bonding hormone) Whatever you want to call it, I know I was high on the stuff when 3 seconds after childbirth I told everyone in the room “I love you! I love you! I love you!” Yes, having a baby releases a practical overdose and it makes sense right? The new mom and baby must bond.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to have kids to get a dose of the good stuff. Just hug it out.

You Can Do It Challenge: Hug someone. Heck, hug a lot of people. Just make sure it lasts at least 20 seconds. The Magic of 20 Seconds

You can’t do those quick love tap fake type hugs where you were really only joking about a real hug. You need to actually hold it for a specific length of time and that is 20 seconds. The reason why is because it takes 20 seconds for the body to realize that it’s an embrace, feel the comfort, and signal the release of oxytocin. 

Alternatives to Hugging

If you are just anti-hugging, here are a few other things you can do to boost the happy hormone oxytocin.

• have more sex (yay!)
• sing in a group (I touched on this last week)
• 10 minutes of alone time with a loved one (maybe to have sex, or sing, or really just relax… )

Make the Time

Time is tight these days, but it’s pretty amazing that 10 minutes (or even 20 seconds) can reduce stress and boost your mood.

Check In

How are you doing so far? Leave a comment on the blog or on Facebook. If you’re on Twitter, follow me and the #HappyHolidaysChallenge for even more motivation.

If you’re not “officially” in the challenge yet, what are you waiting for? Sign up below.

Challenge Your Friends

People do better with support from friends. (It’s a scientific fact!) Ask your friends to join you by sharing on social media or just send them this e-mail with the link to subscribe to the challenge.

Facebook: Join me and Rebecca Scritchfield for a free 60-day wellness challenge. Get healthier and happier this holiday season. http://wp.me/p2T0R-20c #HappyHolidaysChallenge

Twitter: I’m taking the #HappyHolidaysChallenge with @ScritchfieldRD. Join us http://wp.me/p2T0R-20c