Hug them!

A simple hug can mean a lot of things. It can symbolize love and care. It can unite all of us together as one. On April 26th, let’s celebrate Hug a Friend Day. Although it’s similar to National Hugging day on January 21st, Hug a Friend day is the day that we celebrated those important friendship that we hold and dear to our hearts. Many people choose to not only giving hugs but to also give out presents, call friends or FaceTime friends because distance should not end a friendship.

Besides being warm and lovely, hugging is also great for your health. In a 2015 study by Carnegie Mellon University that involved 404 healthy adults, researchers found that people who felt that they have strong support systems and reported getting lots of hugs were less likely to catch a cold than those who were isolated and lonely. Hugging also provides an emotional response through the release of chemicals in the brain and can increase levels of serotonin and endorphins providing a general feeling of well-being. There have been multiple studies conducted that show just how beneficial receiving hugs can be. According to one study by the National Institute of Health (NIH), at least four hugs per day can be an effective remedy for battling depression. Another study has shown that hugs release a “love hormone” oxytocin, which is a neuropeptide that promotes feelings of devotion, trust, and bonding and it can decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Hugging is a big winner for your health and everyone who is involved; however, make sure you receive consent before you give a hug. So let’s celebrate Hug a Friend Day with your besties and give the biggest hugs they deserve.