National Today * National Hugging Day – January 21, 2024 *

National Hugging Day – January 21, 2024










Open up your heart … and your arms, this January 21 for National Hugging Day! As you might guess, this day is an annual event dedicated to the underrated art form of the hug. We love all types of hugs, from the one-armed bro hug to full bear hugs. So let’s get hugging!

WHEN IS NATIONAL HUGGING DAY 2024?

The simplest and most effective way of expressing affection is celebrated on National Hugging Day on January 21. Even though a hug is one of the most natural gestures, it’s not practiced enough these days! This holiday encourages hugging, as a therapeutic way to convey affection and emotions.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL HUGGING DAY

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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.
The word “hug” is believed to come from the word “hugga” meaning “to comfort” in the Old Norse language, first appearing approximately 450 years ago. However, the history of hugging itself is a bit more uncertain. What is known is that it is only very recently (within the past 50 years) that we have seen a full acceptance of hugging in public, separating it from other distinguished displays of affection such as kissing. The widespread adoption of hugging over the recent years has been debated to be due to two primary reasons: the reduced formality of dress code and manners between relationships, along with the changing behaviors of political figures in pursuit of a more relatable, warm-hearted perception to the public. 
Nowadays, we don’t even think about the fact that hugging in public was considered indecent PDA. We hug to greet friends and family, to say goodbye, or to congratulate someone. To console someone or to show support. We hug before sports and performance teams begin their match, and to show a general sign of affection between intimate relationships. There are also Free Hugs charity fundraisers! 



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NATIONAL HUGGING DAY TRADITIONS

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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.

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NATIONAL HUG DAY BY THE NUMBERS

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12 — the number of hugs required by humans every day to be healthy. 
32% — the percentage of stress that is dispelled with a hug. 
20 seconds — the average time of a hug. 
4 — the number of hugs needed for survival. 
8 — the number of hugs needed by humans every day for maintenance. 
10 seconds — the hug time that leads to biochemical reactions in the body that boost health. 

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NATIONAL HUGGING DAY FAQS

Is there a National Hugging Day?

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There absolutely is! National Hugging Day happens once a year on January 21. This year, the day is on a Tuesday
 
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What happens when you hug someone for 20 seconds?

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Studies show a 20 second hug relieves and reduces the harmful physical effects of stress and releases oxytocin. 
 
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Why are hugs so powerful?

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The act of hugging can be incredibly soothing and healing, and is a physical way of confirming your presence in someone’s life. It’s why we hug when we’re sad, when we’ve gotten great news, and after we’ve had a stressful day.
 

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NATIONAL HUGGING DAY ACTIVITIES

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Hug a friend

We’re sure you have tons of friends, you're popular person. And with tons of friends comes tons of hugs. Close your eyes and think about how much you love your friend when hugging him or her. Next, press as much as you feel like without squeezing too tight. Try out different hug variations with different friends and perfect your perfect hug. A hug is just like a handshake; everyone knows how to do it, but it takes a true master to do it right.

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Hug a stranger

In this age of social disconnection and lack of human contact, most people are unsure how to go about hugging random people. However, hugging a stranger is more therapeutic than you think; the effects of giving free hugs to strangers are phenomenal. One method we suggest is holding a “free hugs” sign. That way, you know that the stranger consents to the hug you’re about to give them. It’s a lot less awkward and inappropriate than trying to hug a random stranger on the subway!

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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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5 FACTS ABOUT HUGS THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT ONE RIGHT NOW

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That’s a lot of hugs

The average time spent hugging is an hour a month.

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Take the lead

Most people hug with their right arm when going for a hug.

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Hugging is important for development

As touch is integral to babies, hugging helps them become well-adjusted adults.

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It is important for adults too

Hugging is therapeutic and reduces feelings of loneliness.

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Hugging leads to a good headspace

There is a hugging meditation by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, which brings more awareness, presence, and togetherness into people’s lives.

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WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL HUGGING DAY

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Hugging builds trust

The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication. Hugs instantly help increase oxytocin levels, which heal and combat feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. We can all take a lesson from this: next time, when you feel like fighting with your significant other, stop … and give your significant other a hug instead. It will give you time to calm down and remind you two of your close connection.

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Hugging is healthy

Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum creates an emotional charge that activates the solar plexus chakra. This in turn stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body’s production of white blood cells. Hugs also affect the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system post-hug. What does this all mean in English? It just means that hugs are good for you! They’re good for your emotional state, but they’re also good for your physical body. One might even say that hugs are the best medicine! (That being said, if you get sick, please go to a doctor. We’re not joking.)

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Hugs may alleviate our fears

Scientists found that hugging — even if it was just an inanimate object like a teddy bear — helps soothe individuals’ existential fears. Interpersonal touch is such a powerful mechanism that even objects that can simulate touch by another person help instill a sense of existential significance. If you think about it, you’ll understand why: it doesn’t matter if we’re a tiny speck in the universe as long as you’re loved.

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