Today we celebrate an annual event started by Kevin Zaborney called NATIONAL HUGGING DAY!!!
A hug is like a boomerang – you get it back right away. – Bil Keane, “Family Circus”
The first NHD was in 1986 and the idea caught on – to be more open to hugs for family and friends. Zaborney chose this date because he thought everyone could use hugs since the festive season of Christmas and New Year’s Day is behind us, and the next holiday would not be until February 14th, Valentine’s Day. Between that and the usual winter blues, this seemed like a good day to choose.
He’s right because in a study by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School, they discovered that American couples spend only 1/3 of the time touching that French couples spend. Ah… ooh la la… ya gotta love the French! Oui!
Hugs are also beneficial for psychological and physical development. When we high-five our kids for a job well done, it wouldn’t hurt to add a little hug.
What else do hugs do for us?
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower heart rate
- Holding hands with a romantic partner for just 10 minutes reduces stress levels significantly
- Couples that hug for 20 seconds have higher levels of oxytocin
- Decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in women
- Decreases risk of heart disease in both men and women
- Builds a healthy immune system
Who would have guessed that a little hug could do all that good?
I like this video – and I am addicted to that song!
One word of caution about this day – some people really have a problem with hugs for whatever reason. Maybe they were abused or have some other issue with it, but ALWAYS ask someone before you just start hugging them. Many people are perfectly fine about receiving a hug, but there are some people who are quite uncomfortable with them.
No judgments. God understands. We just pray that they receive patience and understanding from their circle of friends. ❤
HEART HUNGER 