International Hug Day: why it is celebrated on January 21

Every January 21, the international hug day, a date devised by Kevin Zaborney, an American who was concerned for the few signs of affection that people do in public, including with their family members. As a result of this, it is that he thought of creating a holiday that will provide an excuse to do something that all people like, and it is neither more nor less than giving and receiving hugs.

I also read: Why do we need hugs and boys like them so much

When was International Hugging Day first celebrated?

This date was celebrated for the first time andl January 21, 1986 in the town of Clio in Michigan and gained prominence in the United States thanks to the Chase Calendar of Events, a publication that presented all the local festivities of the year, and whose owner was the grandfather of one of Zaborney’s best friends.

What are the benefits of hugs?

In addition to providing comfort, being warm and sometimes causing strong emotions, hugs provide many benefits for both physical and psychological health.

Some of his main contributions:

• They provide security: People are very fragile by nature, especially shortly after birth, so a good dose of hugs helps them feel safe and confident.
• causes pleasure: every time a person hugs another, the brain secretes two substances that are dopamine and serotonin, both reduce stress and together provide calm, tranquility and peace.
• Meet emotional needs: A person needs 14 hugs a day to feel fully loved. People who do not show affection suffer from something that in psychology is known as skin hunger and is nothing more than the need for contact with other humans.
• They allow you to function better: Every hug helps individuals focus and stay happy and functional throughout the day.
• The best cure against shyness: Allows shy people to gain confidence, be more open, spontaneous and sure of themselves.
• Lowers blood pressure: People who do not have a lot of physical contact have a much higher heart rate and blood pressure than people who receive frequent hugs.

How to celebrate International Hug Day?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, starting in 2020, the hug became much more elusive and complicated. The fear of contagion and the recommendations of the health authorities reduced the hug to the minimum expression.

In any case, it is important to express your desire to hug your loved ones, family and friends, either with a gesture or with words of affection. At least until we can resume this healthy custom.