36-Seconds to Family Fitness

36 Seconds for Family Fitness

Download both of these cute patterns immediately – click here or see below

Shannon Christensen

A single three seconds applied several times a day creates a magic fitness program in families.

Hugs are defined as an affectionate tight clasp with the arms, to cling firmly or fondly, and to keep close. The origin of the hug came from Egyptian men who would hug strangers as a greeting disguised to check for swords hidden under long clothing. Today, science tells us hugs can reduce stress, breaks down barriers, and creates bonds.

According to family therapist Virginia Satir, four hugs per day is for survival, eight times for maintenance, and 12 hugs per day for growth. To apply the math of the three second hug, 36 seconds per day has the potential for growth. Karen Grewen from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine says, loving contact like a hug, “…could carry over and protect throughout the day.” For children hugs reduces anxiety, distress, and hostile behavior even decades later.

The real trick, says neuroeconomist Paul J. Zak, is that the hug has to be associated with a “signal of trust”.  Embracing with a sense of confidence or emotional connection should accompany a hug.

Here are a few reasons to hug:

• before leaving the house
• to greet
• to congratulate
• to say thank you
• to protect
• to connect
• to apologize
• to encourage
• to soothe
• to give comfort
• before bed
• in a conversation that needs a tension break

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Shannon has created 2 printable Hugs & Kisses Kits, both available for $2.00, which can be printed, assembled, and gifted during the holidays or to another family. The kit can be downloaded by clicking here to download

How it works: The assembled kit has chocolate candies and every time one is taken out, then a hug has to be given to someone as “payment.” All printables come with instructions and finished product photo.