Katrina
“A hug is a great gift — one size fits all, and it’s easy to exchange.”
Today is January 21st, which means that it’s National Hugging Day! We don’t know about you, but here at Fuzzable, we love a good hug. There is no better way of showing your appreciation for a loved one, family member, friend or even your pet than by giving them a big squeeze.
Not only is a hug great for building trust, increasing strength and making someone feel safe – it has also been scientifically proven to reduce stress, fight fatigue and boost your immune system! Hugging is officially good for your health, and better still, it costs absolutely nothing to hug someone. We definitely think that we should be hugging people more often.
To celebrate National Hugging Day, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite hugging facts for you.
1. A hug normally lasts 9.5 seconds
That sounds perfect to us!
2. People, on average, spend an hour a month hugging
That doesn’t sound like a lot, however, considering a hug is under 10 seconds long on average, it’s actually a hell of a lot of hugs!
3. Hugs have an effect on the development of children
Studies suggest that children who aren’t hugged have delays in walking, talking, and reading.
4. Hugging increases oxytocin and reduces cortisol
This leads to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a boost to your immune system.
5. A 20-second hug can reduce stress
Your serotonin levels rise the longer you hold a hug, which elevates your mood and creates happiness.
Whether you like to hug, cuddle, cwtch or embrace, go and celebrate National Hugging Day by giving someone you love a hug today.
Share your favourite hugging fact with us on Twitter @Fuzzable
