Summarize the following:
This is a great, soft way to get the comfort of a hug without another person. If you don't have a pillow nearby, you can hug anything like a blanket, a jacket, a backpack, or any other object with a soft texture. If the object doesn't belong to you, you should either ask for permission to hug it, wait until no one is looking, or find something else. If someone finds you hugging their backpack, they might be a bit confused or even annoyed. There is nothing more comforting than getting a furry hug from a dog or a cat. It's best to hug your own pet. If you don't have a pet, you can certainly hug someone else's, but again you should ask the owner for permission first. If you don't have access to any animals, invest in a great stuffed animal. Petting an animal can help you relax by lowering your blood pressure and decreasing stress hormones. Make sure it's a friendly animal. Just because it's fuzzy doesn't mean it's nice! You don't want to get bitten. There is nothing like getting outside and getting some love from nature. If you're down in the dumps, venture outside and find a nice sunny patch of grass to relax on. Stretch your arms wide and imagine hugging all of Mother Nature. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel the earth hugging you back. Spending time in the sun can help improve mood, so this works best when the weather is nice. Just wear sunscreen! If the weather is bad, sit by a window and appreciate whatever weather you do have. Admire the beauty of the rain, the power of the thunder, or the calmness of the snow. Hug yourself or something soft while you take in the great outdoors. Post a status on Facebook that you need a hug, and you'll be sure to get some, "Sending hugs!" comments. Simply knowing that others love you is sometimes all it takes to get the relief of a hug. You can also call, text, or FaceTime someone that you love, like a friend or a family member. While virtual hugs are not exactly the same thing as physical hugs, you can get some of those good vibes from an encouraging conversation.
Hug a pillow. Cuddle with an animal. Hug nature. Find virtual or long-distance hugging partners.