Let's Hug Day
Also known as
National Let's Hug Day
Observed
annually on December 3rd
Dates
Hashtags
Sources
https://holidaysfortoday.com/caldec13.shtml
https://mindfullivingnetwork.com/national-lets-hug-day/
https://web.archive.org/web/20180131232805/http://www.randomhistory.com/hugging-history.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2266373/Hugging-lower-blood-pressure-boost-memory.html
https://www.ndtv.com/food/happy-hug-day-2018-5-surprising-benefits-of-hugging-your-partner-1811737
https://www.worldnationaldays.com/lets-hug-day/
Hugging has been around for millennia and is practiced by almost all cultures as a way to connect with others without using language. Hugs are given in many scenarios: as a greeting or goodbye, for sympathy or congratulations, for gratitude, support, and affection, and even as a way of making up after a fight. Before two people embrace for one of these reasons, they often say "Let's hug!" Today is all about coming together, saying "Let's hug!" and hugging!
There are many reasons why participating in today's holiday is beneficial. Hugs may release a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream. This hormone, produced in the pituitary gland, helps lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. Hugging also reduces anxiety, improves mood and memory, and increases bonding and closeness. Those who hug often tend to have increased empathy for others. In order for hugs to be beneficial, those participating must trust each other and both want to hug. Otherwise, the opposite effect happens, and cortisol levels rise, causing stress. This shows how it is favorable to preface a hug with the words "Let's hug."
How to Observe Let's Hug Day
Celebrate the day by saying "Let's hug!" and sharing hugs with your partner, family members, and friends!