Today, Sunday 21 January, is Hugging Day.
In the words of Virginia Satir: “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”
It is known that human contact has many health benefits² and can improve both psychological and physical development. It can help build a good immune system, decrease the risk of heart disease, and decrease levels of stress in women. Never underestimate the value of physical touch or hugging your children.
Facts About Hugging³
•On average people spend an hour a month hugging – that doesn’t sound like much but the average hug is under 10 seconds long
•A full-body hug stimulates your nervous system while decreasing feelings of loneliness
•Children who aren’t hugged have delays in walking, talking and reading
•A quick hug has a near-immediate impact on health – lowering your heart rate and inducing a calming effect while also leading to a more upbeat mood
•Hugging has just as much benefit for the person doing the hugging as the person being hugged
•Touch is described as a universal language that can communicate distinct emotions
•Touch alone can reveal emotions including anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude and sympathy