National Hugging Day
On January
21st 1986
National Hugging Day was founded in the U.S.A.
Health
Studies
have shown that human contact is essential for healthy social, psychological
and physical development. Babies who receive regular physical contact gain
weight and grow faster than those who are neglected. Researchers trying to
discern what promotes happiness have found that physical contact is an integral
part of being cheered up, validated, lowering stress levels and just plain old
reminding ourselves that we’re human and get a lot from interacting with
others.
History
Kevin
Zaborney is credited for creating the unique holiday in 1986. The date of
January 21 was chosen because it marks a midpoint between Christmas and
Valentines day, where people are figured to be at their emotional low. The
holiday was created because Zaborney felt like Americans are embarrassed to
show their feelings in public and hoped that a National Hug Day would change
that. The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Medical School
has found that French couples spend 3 times as much time touching when compared
to Americans. Because of this apprehension to show feeling, Zaborney assumed
his idea wouldn't go anywhere and that he would be mocked. National Hug Day is
not a public holiday recognized by the United States Federal government, and
since Zaborney holds the patent for the day, he is able to collect commercial
royalties associated with National Hug Day.
Hugging is
one of the best, most natural remedies known to man. If you are blue, feeling
down, or just plain out-of-sorts, a great hug can lift your spirits and get you
back on track and loving life. They're easy to give (no instructions
necessary), free to everyone, and gosh darn it they just feel really GOOD.
Celebrate National Hug Day on January 21st by hugging everyone you know (with
their permission of course).
2 comments:
HUGS TO YOU> May you get many today. (smile)
Happy Hug Day, Karl
HUGS
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