What You Need To Know About Virtual Hugs

Have you ever received a virtual hug and felt a warmth in your heart? Or are you part of those who are skeptical about their impact?

Well, let me help set the record straight.

Earlier today at work, I felt so overwhelmed and took to my WhatsApp status to update how I felt by typing – “I just need a bear hug right now”, not quite long from my status update, I got a couple of hug emojis in my DM which helped relieve my stress at that moment. I took to my WhatsApp status again to appreciate the special people who sent the virtual hugs, but a particular response to my earlier post led to me making this impromptu blog post. The writer said, and I’ll type in his exact words, “virtual hug na hug?” which means is virtual hug effective?

This blog post is to enlighten you more about virtual hugs and I hope it helps you understand, and become a virtual hug convert. 🤗

What is a Virtual Hug?

Virtual hug is not about physical contact, no, and the effect can not be compared with a physical hug.

That being said,

Virtual hugs are like digital cuddles, a symbolic gesture of showing care, support and affection through digital means (texts, emails, social media emoji, gifs, memes, e.t.c), especially when you’re distance apart from the person. It’s like sending a warm, fuzzy feeling through the internet.

How does it work?

– Someone sends me a virtual hug through any of the digital means I mentioned earlier.

– The recipient receives the message and imagine a warm, comforting hug (works well for those who are imaginative and enjoys cuddles/hugs)

– The brain interprets this imagination and relaxes the mind/body by releasing oxytocin.

Do virtual hugs really help?

Yes!!! I’ve experienced it many times.

1. It reduce stress and anxiety.
2. It is a mood booster, especially when you’re having a bad day.
3. Release oxytocin, ‘the cuddle hormone’, promoting feelings of happiness.
4. It fosters emotional connection.

How?

Virtual hug is like a subtle reminder that you’re not alone. It is like a soft voice calling to you that although I’m not there right now, but I see you, giving a form of care and support from afar.

Receiving positivity can uplift our mood.

Just imagine when you’re going through a rough day, and someone just sends you a hug emoji without even knowing what’s up, you’ll definitely smile. Just like when someone randomly sends you a smiling selfie, for me, that’s a stress reliever.

It may not be tangible, but it can still brighten someone’s day.

Let’s debunk some myths about virtual hugs.

1. “Virtual hugs are pointless”. Very wrong! They show we care, especially at times when we can’t really do anything to help because it’s beyond our power.
2. “It’s just words or an emoji”. Words have power and images are endearing, they can heal and uplift.
3. Physical touch is necessary. Tell me, in the era where a lot of our friends/family have ‘Japa’, how do show you care/support them when they’re going through some bad times? Will you take the next flight to go hug them? I’m sure the answer is no. Emotional connection transcends physical distance, and virtual hug provides that.

Here’s the beauty of virtual hugs

Hugs are really therapeutical, and I am one for it, virtual or physical. While we may not be able to physically hug everyone due to geographical or social gaps, virtual hug bridges that gap by including everyone.

Anyone, anywhere can receive/send virtual hugs. It is easy, quick and always available.

Spread the Love, Join the Movement.

Virtual hugs may seem simple, but they hold immense power. They remind us we’re not alone, providing comfort and reassurance when we need it most. I’ve experienced firsthand the warmth of virtual hugs during tough times. Now, I want to share that with you. Join the movement and spread love, kindness, and support – one virtual hug at a time.

Next time you see someone struggling, or just need a pick-me-up, or you randomly think of the person, send a virtual hug! Let’s normalize virtual hugs and spread kindness, empathy and support. Type “sending you a big hug”, send a heart or hug emoji, or a personalized message.

Thanks for coming to my Ted talk. 😊🤗

I hope you’ve learnt something?

Share your story!

Have virtual hugs made a difference in your life? Share your experiences in the comments!