How often do you find yourself thinking, “I need a hug”? Well, thankfully, there are many ways you can replicate the feeling without hugging yourself!
We all go through hard times. Nobody is happy 24/7 and if you think they are, it’s only an act. That being said, there are definitely times when you might think, “I need a hug.”
It’s a specific feeling that you probably only get when you’re upset and exhausted, sometimes even very sad.
It’s not uncommon to feel this way—even as an adult. As we get older, however, there isn’t always someone readily available to give us hugs and make us feel better. Most of that responsibility lies with you.
You need to learn how to make yourself feel better, but luckily for you, we’ve got the tips and tricks you need. [Read: Romantic hug vs friendly hug – How to feel the difference instantly]
Stop being so hard on yourself
First things first, stop beating yourself up and making yourself feel bad! You’re wonderful, beautiful, and worthy just as you are. In reality, you don’t need anyone to give you a hug to make you feel better—that power is within you!
You have more love in your life than you realize. It’s simply that sometimes life beats us down and we can’t see what’s all around us. Spend some time focusing on gratitude. In fact, why not write a gratitude journal?
Scribble down two things you’re grateful for out of every single day, even if it’s something small. Then, sit down and look at your journal in a couple of weeks’ time. You’ll soon see that you’re surrounded by amazing things and wonderful people. [Read: What are you passionate about? How to find and own your desires]
It’s okay to admit when you need help
A lot of us grow up thinking it’s wrong to ask for help simply because we’re adults. We stop going to our friends and family when we’re upset and truthfully, this isn’t a good thing.
Sure, it’s great that you can take care of yourself, but you don’t always have to.
It’s okay to need help when you’re feeling upset. That’s what friends, families, and significant others are for. It can actually be more harmful if you hold everything inside and try to deal with things on your own when you just can’t.
So ask for some help. Go to a friend. It’s okay to want assistance. [Read: 30 touching ways to make someone feel better and help a sad friend]
I need a hug—how to make yourself feel better when you’re feeling down
Of course, our support systems aren’t always available. They have their own lives to deal with in addition to their work or school or other obligations. And that sometimes means we have to figure out how to fix our upset mood ourselves.
Luckily, there are tons of different ways to do this. Whenever you’re feeling down, just do one of these things and you’ll start feeling better in no time!
1. Go outside
Fresh air and vitamin D can do a whole lot of good when you’re upset. We know you may not want to get up and go outside, but it’ll be worth it. Enjoy the fresh air and take in nature. It’ll help immensely!
2. Do some exercise
One thing that can actually boost your mood is exercising! The endorphins that your brain releases when you’re active can help you feel way better right away.
The tricky part is disciplining yourself enough to just go do it even when you’re sad. [Read: The expansive benefits of exercise on your mind and body]
3. Talk to someone close to you
Venting is a great way to feel better. Oftentimes, other people can help us see that some things aren’t worth being upset about. So call up some friends and get to talking.
4. Eat mood-boosting foods
Yes, there is such a thing as food that makes you happier! And no, we’re not talking about your favorite chocolate dessert.
Foods like nuts, seeds, salmon, eggs, cheese, and even pineapples have been proven to make you happier by boosting levels of serotonin—the happy chemical—in your blood.
5. Watch a funny movie
Laughing will always make you feel better. Laughing away your cares not only distracts you but smiling and laughing naturally tricks your brain into making you happier. [Read: 15 feel-good movies for the sad]
6. Read a good book
Books are great for a lot of reasons and one of them is that they can make you feel better. When you immerse yourself into the lives of characters and forget about the world around you, you’ll feel much better.
7. Listen to uplifting music
Music is beyond powerful when it comes to making you feel happier. Listening to an upbeat song or two can actually alter your brain chemistry to make you feel happier. [Read: Moving on! Upbeat songs to get you feeling great]
8. Write down your concerns in a journal
Externally processing the emotions you’re feeling can be really important. If you’re upset, write down what’s bothering you.
Seeing the words laid out in front of you can help you digest them and find a solution.
9. Take a nap
Naps make everything better in general. However, if you’re feeling sad, you might just need more sleep. Sleeping also helps your subconscious process information and emotions so you’ll wake up feeling refreshed. [Read: Really great ways to reduce stress and recharge]
10. Get crafty
Being creative is an awesome way to combat a bad mood. Creating something with your hands is unlike anything else out there.
11. Go out to eat with friends
Combining great food with even better people will be sure to lift your spirits. Not only will the yummy food make you feel better, but laughing and joking with friends will distract you, too. [Read: 50 crazy and impulsive things to do with friends you won’t ever forget]
12. Look back on photos of happy memories
When you think back to the good times—especially with the help of some great pictures—your mood will definitely improve.
Those memories will stir up the feelings you had during that time and it’ll make you happy.
13. Cry if you need to
Crying is allowed. You can cry all you want—just limit it after a certain amount of time. Sometimes you just need to cry it out and let your body go through the motions.
If you’re thinking “I need a hug,” let it all out and see how you feel afterward. [Read: Great movies you should watch for a good cry]
14. Sing your favorite song
Even if you suck at singing, belt it out anyway. Singing actually releases endorphins so your mood will improve significantly.
15. Play a musical instrument
If you’re able to or even if you just want to give it a try, play something musical. It will not only distract you from your upset feelings, but it can also be really fun and relaxing, too.
16. Do some cleaning
Surprisingly, thoughts of “I need a hug” can actually turn you into a cleaning machine! The process of cleaning and organizing can actually help your brain sort out your feelings.
17. Pick or buy yourself some flowers
Get some flowers, put them in a vase, and watch the room look brighter. When you have fresh, colorful flowers around, your mood will pick up pretty quickly. [Read: 27 secrets to focus on yourself, grow as a person, and create your own sunshine]
18. Do something nice for someone else
Do you remember a time you did something nice for someone and felt so much better about yourself? Doing nice things and even volunteering can not only put your situation into perspective, but it can boost your mood significantly.
[Read: Pay it forward – 20 positive ways to create a chain of goodwill]
19. Go people watching
This is just plain entertaining and distracting. If you want to get away from the negativity of your thoughts, go to an airport or a park.
Watching people interact with one another is often humorous and downright interesting.
20. Spend time with animals
Animals have special healing properties that help us to feel calmer and more relaxed whenever we’re around them.
We’re not saying you should go out and adopt a dog *although, if you can, go for it*, but why not visit a local shelter for some animal TLC? [Read: Adopting a pet? The true signs you’re ready to get a pet together]
21. Do something spontaneous
Get out of your comfort zone and just go and do something random. It can be heading out to the cinema for an impromptu movie on your own, or jetting off for a weekend away. Whatever it is, embrace the spontaneity!
22. Read something inspirational
There are many books out there. We’ve already mentioned you should read a good book, but why not head online and do some research into the most inspirational reads around? You’ll be left feeling uplifted and grateful. [Read: 30 life-changing books to read in your 20s and reinvent your life]
23. Dress up
But only for yourself. Go on, put on your favorite clothes, and do your hair however you like. Dress up and look good for yourself and your confidence will grow.
24. Talk to a mental health professional
There’s no failure in admitting that you need a little help. It’s actually the strongest thing you can do. If you feel you need a little extra help, then go out and get it. You’ll be able to build back stronger much faster.
25. Go get a hug!
When you’re thinking “I need a hug,” sometimes that’s all you need. So, head to a friend, partner, or family member, and hug it out! [Read: 20 loving and romantic touches in a relationship to make you feel closer]
It’s normal to want a hug sometimes
Everyone has the “I need a hug” thought from time to time, and it’s completely normal. However, if you notice this thought coming more and more often, you might want to sit down and work out what the actual problem is.
Needing a bit of TLC after a long day or because of a breakup is normal; feeling down for no specific reason, or for an extended amount of time is a sign of something deeper.
[Read: 52 happy habits and ways to find happiness within yourself and feel better]
Sometimes when you think, “I need a hug,” you feel down and hopeless. However, the items on this list are sure to cheer you up in no time!
