National Hugging Day is an annual event created by Kevin Zaborney. USA. It occurs on January 21 but is not a public holiday. The day was launched on January 21, 1986 in Clio, Michigan, USA. It has been marked in some other countries under the name of World Hugging Day. The idea of National Hug Day is to encourage everyone to hug family and friends more often, or to hug people you don’t know very well – but ask them first!

Zaborney considered that “American society is embarrassed to show feelings in public” and hoped that a National Hugging Day would change that.

Studies have shown that human contact has many health benefits. It has been found that human contact improves both psychological and physical development.Hugging can also help build a good immune system, decrease the risk of heart disease, and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol in women. According to the American Psychosomatic Society, a hug or 10 minutes of holding hands with a romantic partner can help reduce stress, so it is good for your health!

Have you hugged someone today? Go and hug your Mom, your little brother, your best friend, your partner or a friendly neighbor… it’s good for you!