It seems like people all over the world are slowly returning to something resembling pre-pandemic life now, more than three years after the international press raised alarm bells over a new illness taking China by storm.
I don't know what it's like where you live, but I see a lot of the things we used to take for granted. People no longer socially distance as they queue up at the grocery store. Maskless faces are everywhere again, and they no longer look particularly naked. Birthday and Christmas gatherings have become normal again, and coworkers once again meet up for after-work drinks at the bar.
Yet, there's no denying that COVID-19 left a deep impact — a deep emotional scar. We live in a touch-starved world, a trend that started even before the pandemic hit, and we're worse off for it. Humans are, at their core, deeply emotional creatures that crave connection, after all, and hugs are a big part of that.
What Is National Hugging Day?
National Hugging Day is, in short, a day dedicated to hugging. Celebrated every year on January 21, National Hugging Day encourages people to hug everyone they love — your parents, children, siblings, partner, friends, and even coworkers. Hell, if your accountant, lawyer, cashier, teacher, or whoever else in your life looks like they could use a hug, why not lean in and offer one?
Kevin Zaborney started National Hugging Day way back in 1986, in Michigan, USA, with the goal of encouraging people to hug more. It's not a mandate. You shouldn't hug people who don't want a hug, which is why it's so important to ask before you go for it, but more people want hugs than you may think.
The timing of the little known holiday isn't a coincidence. After the lead-up to Christmas and the New Year, but before Valentine's Day, everyone tends to feel a little down. Winter is still in full swing, but the "fresh start effect" the new year naturally brings has worn off. You've probably failed at a few New Year's Resolutions. Summer feels a long way off, and you may be a little lonely. Hugs can help out and remind you that people care about you.
Why Is Hugging So Important?
Humans are an inherently social species. Physical touch soothes us and makes us feel safe from the day we're born. As infants, we cry out and our parents or other relatives come to make us feel better. The need for hugs doesn't decrease with age, but the physical contact we get does. That's a shame, because hugs are a universal language of love and peace. A good, warm hug can overcome any language barrier and remind us that we're human and other people love us.
As science advanced and research unfolded, we now understand more about why hugs are so important. The "love hormone" oxytocin floods the body when we give and receive hugs, while our levels of the stress hormone cortisol go down. This makes us feel loved, safe, and at ease.
Research further shows that:
- People of all ages and ethnic backgrounds benefit from hugs.
- Hugs have the power to make us feel less depressed, more connected, and can even reduce rates of depression and fear.
- A lack of physical touch can lead to higher rates of anxiety and personality disorders.
- Hugs help women destress. They usually have less of an effect on men.
- Our closest relatives, the great apes, use touch for social purposes — including hugs. Hugs seem to be an important evolutionary mechanism to maintain social bonds.
- Regular touch from people you love can regulate your blood pressure and contribute to heart health.
- Hugs combat feelings of loneliness.
- Hugs help people feel more connected to the social world.
Do you feel disconnected from the world? Are you feeling lonely? Are you wondering what your purpose is? Do you, quite literally, feel "out of touch"? A hug might well help mend those distressing feelings and help you feel better. That's why awareness days like National Hugging Day are so important.
Want to Participate?
It's OK if you don't happen to read this on January 21 — the power of hugs can be harnessed all through the year!
Your mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandparents, best friend, best friend from high school you haven't seen in 10 years, niece, nephew, or coworker going through a rough time might also benefit from a hug. If you're in a giving mood, why not go for it?
Make sure to ask before you hug. Don't make it awkward. Don't use the overused phrase "OK, I'm a hugger, I'm going in" and don't make a big thing of it either. Try "Can I give you a hug?", "Would you like a hug?", or "Can I hug you?" instead. Go for it if the other person tells you that would be nice — and experience the power of a good hug first-hand. If not, that's OK. Someone else will want to hug you.
Hugs connect us to a wider whole by reminding us that we're part of a human family. While you're at it, cuddle your cat or dog, too, because they understand this love language just like we do.
Was your hugging experiment a success? Great! Don't stop now. Make it a part of your regular daily practice, because we don't just crave human connection on January 21.