Today's Kindness #472: June 29, 2024
🫂🤗 Share A Hug 🤗🫂
Hugging is a simple way to express many types of affection, from friendly to intimate, to familial. It's an action largely limited to primates — while we can find instances of other animals in positions that resemble hugging, there aren't any other species that do it so frequently, and for so many reasons — and so, in many ways, hugging sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. It's not just a differentiator, though: studies show that hugging releases oxytocin, known as the "cuddle hormone," which can help to strengthen social bonds. So, on June 29, we celebrate Hug Holiday. Get your hug on today!
How To Celebrate:
Start A "Free Hug" Campaign
You've seen the videos: some random person standing along a crowded sidewalk with a "free hugs" sign. Passersby are initially skeptical, but eventually, they cave. Everyone wants a free hug! You don't have to film your endeavor to collect all the free oxytocin!
Hug A Friend
For some of us, hugs are a part of everyday life. But for others, they can be few and far between. If you've noticed that one of your friends could use a hug, they'd likely appreciate the offer! Consider asking first, though. Everyone has different comfort zones!
Schedule A Hug
Sometimes, life gets so busy that we forget about our basic needs. It might seem like overkill, but scheduling hugs with a person you love can be an effective way to ensure you get your hugs in!
"And if you see me, smile and maybe give me a hug. That's important to me too."
~ Jim Valvano