Today's Kindness #259: January 21, 2023
🤗Share A Hug🤗
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!
The purpose of the day is to help everyone show more emotion in public. The only way to celebrate the day is by offering a hug to anyone and everyone you want. Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same. From the day we are born, hugs or touch improve our sleep. Hugging, like cuddling, releases oxytocin. On its own, this hormone provides tremendous health benefits. Not only does it gives us feel-good hormones, but it reduces pain. Receiving a hug helps reduce stress, lowers blood pressure, and lowers the risk of heart disease. It also eases anxiety.
Give someone a big hug. Or, if you need one, ask for a hug and reap the benefits. You can also give a mental hug. Let someone know you care by sending warm, cheerful words of encouragement to those in your circle. Boost their joy by letting them know how much they mean to you with a verbal hug until you can give them the real one. Use #NationalHuggingDay to post on social media.
"Laughter with those that understand us is music for the soul. A hug at the right moment and a kind shoulder to lean on is the sprinkle of magic that keeps us walking towards hope."
~ Mimi Novic