Today is my dad’s day. It’s not his birthday or Father’s Day.
It’s National Hugging Day! This is a true designated day, established in 1986.
But that’s not when it actually started, and it’s not just one day. My dad, the original Hug Ambassador, started hugging decades ago and taught about its importance and therapeutic powers to everyone who would listen.
Hugging is more than a great comfort and connector, it’s an action loaded with benefits for body, mind and spirit. Here are a few:
* lowers blood pressure
* eases tension
* triggers release of feel-good hormones
* boosts self-esteem
Check out this article for more benefits.
As if his daily hugging and “preaching about the importance of healing” wasn’t enough proof for himself and the world, he carried a newspaper clipping from the 80’s in his wallet. In that column, Ann Landers wrote about the many benefits of connecting through hugging. When dad felt his hug recipient needed additional convincing of why hugging is so vital, he’d whip out the clipping and have them read it!
Are you in need of comfort and healing today? Do you know someone who is grieving and would welcome the gifts of a hug or two? First give yourself a giant, loving hug, then reach out to someone else – maybe several others – and share a hug with them. Become a Hug Ambassador!