Family Fitness in 36 Seconds a Day • Hugs & Kisses Kits

Print download onto clear ink jet printer transparency. Cut and slide into place. Very easy, very cool. Looks like it's printed right on the container.

Family Fitness in 36 Seconds

One act. Three seconds. Twelve times. Equals 36 seconds a day. What’s the magic moment? A hug.

According to family therapist Virginia Satir, “The recommended daily requirement for hugs is: 4 per day for survival, 8 per day for maintenance, and 12 per day for growth.” A family’s emotional fitness can be aided by a mere 36 seconds a day.

But, the real trick, says neuroeconomist Paul J. Zak, is that the hug has to be associated with a “signal of trust”.  Having some sign of confidence in the relationship, or potential connection, accompanied with the hug insures moods more at peace, security increased, and stress released.

Efforts can be made to remind us, and family members, of the 36-second hug habit. To strengthen the attachment process and hug therapy in your home I made 2 versions of the Hugs & Kisses Kit. (I threw in the kisses for good measure.) The idea is that the kit has chocolate candies and every time one is taken out, then a hug has to be given to someone as ‘payment’. The kit really isn’t necessary, just a fun reminder to get your family counting and keeping track of heart healthy hugs.

Here are a few other times to wrap your head (and arms) around.

            • hug in morning
            • hug at night
            • hug to greet
            • hug to congratulate
            • hug to warm
            • hug to protect
            • hug to connect
            • hug to apologize
            • hug to energize
            • hug to support
            • hug to strengthen
            • hug to surprise

Thirty six seconds to increase family fitness of heart and mind. Do you have the time today?

Get the DIY downloadable here @ Idaho Women's Journal for $2. 
There's a crafty version and a quick version. I had the quick version of the Hugs & Kisses glass jar out during a party and there were hugs everywhere. 
Try it out in your home and let me know how you like it.