It began as ‘National Hugging Day’ but has become ‘International’
International Hugging Day is celebrated worldwide on 21st January every year. It was first created in 1986 in Michigan (USA) by Kevin Zaborney.
It began as ‘National Hugging Day’ but has become ‘International’ after many other countries began to observe the tradition. Zaborney’s idea was to encourage everyone to express affection, comfort, and care by giving hugs to friends, family, and even strangers, more often – highlighting the positive health benefits and universal nature of human connection. (Mr Zaborney cautions that you should always ask first, as some people are just not ‘huggers’ – it is always important to respect the personal space of others.)
Kevin Zaborney chose the date because it is half way between the Christmas/New Year celebrations and St. Valentine’s Day, as this is a time when he found that people were generally low in spirits (see our article about Blue Monday) and could probably do with an extra hug. What a heartwarming idea!
Hugs are a simple, yet universal, expression of affection and care that can convey love and support. There are many benefits to hugging – it is a very powerful act bringing positive connection between humans. Many physical and mental health benefits are gained from even a brief hug – although studies have shown that a 20-second hug is even more beneficial! The benefits apply to both the giver and receiver of the hug.
According to Dr Naveen Puri from BUPA, studies using brain scans show that hugging can make you feel good. Here are some of the reasons why this small act is so beneficial:
- Oxytocin – this is known as the love or the hug hormone. Our brains release this chemical in response to warm touch. This can help us handle stress, improve relationships and boost wellbeing.
- Lower Blood Pressure – a 1983 study showed that a 20-second hug before undergoing a stressful task lowered blood pressure in the participants. This suggests a 20-second hug could lower our blood pressure and, in turn, that is good for our heart health.
- Improved Mood – in another study, 400 participants reported that they felt better after a hug when they were in a bad mood or had just had a tiff with someone. Even on less stressful days, a hug improved their mood.
- Illness Symptoms – studies have shown that unwell people with, for example, a common cold showed fewer signs of illness if they received frequent hugs. This suggests that hugs may buffer the stresses of illness and infection.
- Pain Reduction – the release of oxytocin when we hug can have pain-overriding effects, even when we hug ourselves (by crossing our arms around ourselves as though we were hugging someone).
- Reducing Loneliness – stroking or hugging a pet can have some of the same benefits as hugging another person, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress and feeling of loneliness.
Whilst the studies that Dr Puri mentions cannot prove for certain that hugs have all these benefits, they do show that there are positive links between hugging and good health and wellbeing.
We all know that hugs feel good. Why not try to embrace family, friends and loved ones more often – or someone that we know is going through a difficult time. In this modern digital age, even a ‘virtual-hug’, by way of a text message or an e-greetings card, can have positive effects on another person’s mood and wellbeing.
A hug costs just a few seconds of our time and can make a world of difference to the hugger and the huggee. Everyone benefits! Happy Hugging!
