National Hugging Day at Chai Mitzvah!

by Nina Woldin

While this coming Shabbat, January 21, is National Hugging Day, we like to think that every day is (Inter)national Hugging Day at Chai Mitzvah! 

Hugging has been described as a handshake from the heart. The simple action of embracing creates feel-good energy for both the giver and the recipient. National Hugging Day was created by Kevin Zaborney in 1986 to foster deeper connections between all kinds of people. He selected January 21 because it is a time bereft of holidays as well as sunshine in many places – a time when people often feel alone.

National Hugging Day is a day for people to share their emotions in public. Even if you are a social distancing, you can help increase the mental and physical healing that hugs are known to have by sharing positive emotions with your family, friends, and people you meet throughout this day.

Hugging creates feel-good energy for both the giver and the recipient.
Chai Mitzvah group conversations were designed to do just that! 

Virtual Jewish Journeys group sharing hugs

 

Fun facts about hugging:

• The average hug lasts around 3.17 seconds. 
• No one knows exactly when the first hug took place, but hugs have been around for thousands of years.
• Humans are not the only species who give and receive hugs. While hugging is a crucial part of human development, animals (like monkeys) also hug.
• Hugging releases oxytocin, an important hormone which influences growth and social well-being. When you hug someone, the level of oxytocin increases, helping to reduce stress and even depression.
• Hugs can also reduce feelings of fear and raise levels of self-esteem.
• Hugs can help to lower blood pressure and improve the condition of the heart.

Celebrate National Hugging Day:

• Give someone a hug! Even if you’re social distancing, you can still let someone know that you care about their well-being. 
• Send a loving message to the people who are close to you. Make sure that your message includes the reasons these people are special.
• Extend a helping hand to someone who is vulnerable, sick, or elderly. Listen to them and show them that you care.

Share your experience with others by posting on social media. Post on photos and videos of the people that you hugged and helped on this day. Use the hashtag #NationalHuggingDay in your social media posts. And please share with our Chai Mitzvah family – post messages below!