Tomorrow is Hug Day!

Tomorrow - February 12th - is Hug Day! Nationaltoday dot com says, "It’s hard to deny the power a simple hug is able to have over our moods and general well-being. It’s amazing how such a simple gesture  just melts your troubles away. You hug someone to celebrate their highest of highs and to soothe them during their lowest of lows. Hugs help lower stress, increase mutual trust, and lower blood pressure, among so many other benefits. Hug a person you love today — it’s free!"

So, to celebrate Hug Day, let's first look at some fun facts about hugs - did you know . . . 

• Hugs release oxytocin: a powerful hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It influences social interaction and is the hormone that underlies individual and social trust. It is also an antidote to depressive feelings.
• The majority of people lead with their right arm when going in for a hug.
• Α full-body hug stimulates your nervous system while decreasing feelings of loneliness, combating fear, increasing self-esteem, defusing tension, and showing appreciation.
• More hugs = lower blood pressure.
• Cuddling boosts your immune system and relieves pain.
• Well-hugged babies are less stressed as adults. Want to do something for future generations? Hug them when they’re still little. 

You will find more facts about hugs at this link and more information about the history of hugs and Hug Day at this link.

So tomorrow, and every day - including today - take time to hug the people in your life - it is good for them, and for you, too!