The Comfort Cub Gives People Hope - episode 135
The Comfort Cub was created by Marcella Johnson. It is a therapeutic teddy bear originally designed to help grieving mothers and now it has become so much more. The sweet bear has made its way into the arms of many women, men and children to support them in loss, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Marcella is our guest today for Thankful and Giving Back.
As much as I thought I knew about The Comfort Cub before this conversation, I learned more about the additional benefits of holding the bear as shared by Marcella. I think it’s astounding that a simple thing can reap such rewards. I have my own and I have ordered them for people in need. I know that little guy is a comfort. Wherever there is pain there is a hug just a bear away.
Faith-filled. Resilient. Loyal.
— Marcella Johnson
The Power of a Hug
Thoughts from the Comfort Cub
Marcella talked about the benefits of holding the bear or ‘hugging’ it. That got me to thinking about hugs in general. I have become more of a hugger in my adult life. I enjoy a good hug from family/friends and giving them too. The closer I am to the person the longer the hug. Well that may not be entirely true. Because you’ve got the awkward huggers. You know who these people are. They hug out of obligation; they are stiff and don’t seem to enjoy it. I think those who don’t want to hug should be able to opt out with no problem. There are the enveloping huggers. These are the ones who really love the hug as it demonstrates their affection for you. Those are the best. You feel warm inside, you’re smiling, and you’re not exactly sure why or how a hug could add so much punch.
What exactly does a hug do? Why is it beneficial? The following things were discovered at healthline.com about a hug:
Helps reduce stress
It helps the person receiving it and it also has benefit for the person giving the hug.
May protect you from illness
Those with greater support systems get sick less often and/or have less severe symptoms.
Boosts heart health
Holding hands, and hugs have shown to reduce blood pressure and lower heart rates.
Can make you happier
The level of the “cuddle” hormone, oxytocin, rises when we sit close to, hug or touch someone.
Helps reduce fears
Touch reduces anxiety in some people, and can help people from isolating.
May help reduce pain
Participants reported a decrease in pain, and increase in quality of life.
Helps with communication
In studies it’s been reported a wide range of emotions can be identified through touch including sympathy, sadness, anger, happiness, gratitude, and love.
It’s thought many are touch-deprived. Could this be you? Reportedly we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance, and 12 hugs a day for growth. Wow, I better start hugging more! For the health benefits, and for the sheer joy of it.
I have learned there is more power in a single hug than in a thousand meaningful words.
— Ann Hood
Saying ‘goodbye’ to Taylor the night before she moved to Georgia.
