National Hugging Day, why is a hug so powerful?

National Hugging Day. This January 21 for National Hugging Day! In a post pandemic world, physical interaction with our loved ones has become scarce, and very important. This is why national hugging day is the best opportunity to really feel the love of who you cherish. Get out there and (safely) enjoy national hugging day.

National Hugging Day Traditions

The best way National Hugging Day is celebrated is by spreading the love and offering a hug to your friends and family. It’s amazing how much difference a simple hug can make. Spend your day letting your nearest and dearest know that you’re there for them by giving them hugs and lifting their spirits.

Hugging is a great way to make yourself feel better, studies show that hugging has many health benefits, which include improvement on both psychological and physical development, building a stronger immune system and it helps to decrease the risk of heart disease and stress.

History Of National Hugging Day

National Hugging Day was created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney. His friend was the granddaughter of the proprietors of Chase’s Calendar of Events. Zaborney chose January 21 because it was the time between the winter holiday season and the new year’s birthdays, which he noticed was a time people tend to feel low in spirits. He also felt that Americans were often too embarrassed to show affection in public and hoped National Hugging Day would change that, though he never actually thought it would catch on.

Benefits Of Giving Hugs

32% stress-buffering

In a 2015 study involving 404 healthy adults. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University examined the effect of perceived social support and the receipt of hugs on the participants’ susceptibility to developing the common cold after being exposed to the virus. People who perceived greater social support were less likely to come down with a cold. Researchers calculated that the stress-buffering effects of hugging explained 32% of that beneficial effect.

20 seconds for the perfect hug

Though the average hug with a friend or family member is about 3 seconds long (a quick embrace before continuing a conversation), longer hugs — 20 seconds is recommended — are beneficial to your health. During a hug, we release oxytocin, a hormone that relaxes us and lowers anxiety. It’s often called the “cuddle hormone,” and when it’s released during these 20 second hugs it can effectively lower blood pressure and reduce the stress hormone nor epinephrine.

Hugs can also give our immune system a healthy boost.

Okay, this benefit goes hand in hand with the one above. Maybe you’ve noticed how it’s so much easier to get sick when you’re stressed out. That’s because our immune system kicks into overdrive when we’re feeling stressed, and it can actually backfire to make us more susceptible to illness. One study found that people who were hugged and felt socially supported also experienced less severe signs of sickness.

Hug yourself

Getting a hug is a great feeling. It can instantly lift your mood, making you feel safe and appreciated. Sometimes, however, there isn’t anybody around to give you that hug you need. When you need it the most, wrap your hands around yourself and hug yourself tightly. You might think that’s weird but hear us out. Friends are great, but you’re the star of your own life. And you should love yourself like a star! That means making lots of time for self-care and self-love. So self-hug away.

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