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Get ready to show some extra love and affection on National Hugging Day on January 21! This special day was created in 1986 by Reverend Kevin Zaborney from Caro, Michigan, as a way to spread more joy and kindness around the world. Everyone loves a good hug, so why not use this day to give someone you care about an extra tight squeeze?
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Hugging Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>Reverend Kevin Zaborney establishes National Hugging Day in Caro, Michigan hoping to encourage people to express their emotions openly.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Media Coverage</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday gets its first media coverage, helping it gain wider recognition and popularity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition Outside the USA</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Hugging Day begins to be recognized outside of the United States, spreading its message of love and warmth worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Guinness World Record</div><div class='timeline-text'>The world record for most hugs given in a day by an individual was established as a celebration of National Hugging Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Free Hugs" Campaigns</div><div class='timeline-text'>Numerous "free hugs" campaigns and events took place globally, further promoting National Hugging Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Hugs</div><div class='timeline-text'>People globally began sending "virtual hugs" as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the adaptability of the holiday's spirit in challenging times.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Give your friends a hug</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There's nothing like giving your friends a big hug to show that you care and appreciate them. Show them how much they mean to you by giving them a big squeeze.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hug a stranger</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On National Hugging Day, why not try something different and give a stranger a hug? You never know, it might just make their day!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a hugging party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Throw a party for your friends and family to celebrate National Hugging Day! Ask everyone to bring a dish to share and make sure the atmosphere is one of love and acceptance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send hugs in the mail</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Send out postcards or letters with heartfelt messages of love and gratitude. Include a hug emoji or draw yourself giving someone a hug to really put a smile on their face.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make hug coupons</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you don't have anyone near you to give hugs to, make some coupons for hugs that your friends can redeem at any time. This way, even when you're far apart, you can still share the love.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Hugs are comforting</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>There's nothing quite like the feeling of a warm hug from someone you love. Hugs can provide comfort and reassurance in times of sorrow, making us feel protected and loved. They remind us that we're not alone and that we have people who care about us deeply.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Hugs promote physical health</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hugging can be beneficial for our physical health as well! Research has shown that hugs help lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels, which can lead to better overall wellbeing. They can also stimulate the release of certain hormones in the body that boost our moods.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Hugs Strengthen Relationships</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hugs don't just make us feel good; they strengthen relationships and foster bonds between individuals. Even if it's just with a friend or family member, giving hugs is an easy way to show affection and appreciation for those around us. So let's show some love this National Hugging Day!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hugging Boosts Oxytocin Levels in the Body</h3><p class='facts-content'>Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a significant role in social bonding. Increased levels can lead to feelings of happiness, trust, and reduce stress and anxiety.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hugging Can Improve Heart Health</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research has shown that hugging can lower heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hugging Helps Strengthen the Immune System</h3><p class='facts-content'>Through the reduction of stress and promotion of overall well-being, hugging indirectly boosts the immune system's effectiveness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hugs Can Make You Feel Less Alone</h3><p class='facts-content'>Physical touch in the form of hugging can produce feelings of security and belongingness, reducing feelings of loneliness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Hugging Increases Serotonin Levels</h3><p class='facts-content'>Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining mood balance. An increase in serotonin levels can contribute to feelings of happiness and combat depression.</p></div></div>
National Hugging Day is celebrated on January 21 every year. In 2024 National Hugging Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Jan 21
Saturday
2024
Jan 21
Sunday
2025
Jan 21
Tuesday
2026
Jan 21
Wednesday
2027
Jan 21
Thursday
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