Hug a Friend Day

It is a chance to know how important they are to you by giving them a hug.

You can give a hug for someone in some cases such as you say hello, goodbye, congratulations, sympathy, support, gratitude, or affection. During hugs that last 20 seconds or more, the body releases a "binding" hormone called oxytocin. This hormone can help lower your blood pressure, lower your heart rate, lower the stress hormone cortisol, and improve your mood. So reach out and hug your friends on Hug a Friend Day, April 26th every year.

History of Hugging

There seems to be no clear origin or explanation for where or when the act of hugging begins. It seems to be one of the instinctive behaviors that humans share with primates to express love, comfort and comfort. The word “hug” is simply a semantic way of expressing an archaic, emotional response.

Obama Greets Peres Recent political leaders half hug and half clasp each other's arms known as the "presidential hug." During the battle, hugs and handshakes were first initiated as a way of giving your enemies see that you won't kill them because you don't see the weapon on your hand or on your body. You can get close enough to strangle someone in a hug but if your hands are squeezed by someone else's back, you're not in danger. That's why recent presidential candidates hugged and clasped each other's arms at a debate as a way of showing that they were armed only with words (Roddey). The first time the word "hug" was used was in the early 16th century to describe a wrestling move in which a wrestler tightly wraps his or her arms around the opponent's chest and arms (“Hug,” The Free Dictionary).

History of Hug a Friend Day

Today is to hug friends! Hugging has been appeared around for millennia and is practiced by most cultures as a way to connect with others without using language. In tradition, hugs are given in some certain situations. For examples: as a greeting or goodbye, for sympathy or congratulations, and for gratitude, support, and affection. The word "hug" is believed to be originated from "hugga," an Old Norse word meaning "to comfort." "Hug" was first used around 1610, to describe a wrestling match. It began to be used in its current sense in the 1650s.

Hugs will help release a hormone named oxytocin into the bloodstream. This hormone, produced in the pituitary gland, helps reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. It also reduces anxiety, improves mood and memory, and increases attachment and closeness. People who hug often tend to have increased empathy for others. For hugs to be beneficial, participants must trust each other and both want to hug. Otherwise, the opposite effect will occur and cortisol levels will rise, causing stress.

How to celebrate Hug a Friend Day

Celebrate the day by hugging friends! As far as you know, hugs brings us many benefits, let make sure that the people who you would like to give a hug also want to be hugged. Do not forget spreading Hug a Friend Day and ask them if they would like to hug before embracing them.