21 January

 NATIONAL HUGGING DAY  

National Hug Day or National Hugging Day occurs on January 21st and is officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office, but is not a public holiday.

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. While National Hug Day and the Free Hugs Campaign share many similarities, there is not an association between the two. 

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.

How to Observe National Hugging Day

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. 

National Hugging Day History

The holiday was founded by Rev. Kevin Zaborney on March 29, 1986, in Caro, Michigan.

 

Also

Granola Bar Day

Hyaluronic Acid  Day

Squirrel Appreciation Day

 

Today's Thought

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration. ~ Thomas Edison 

“If winter comes , can spring be far behind ?" ~ Shelley

58 days until Spring