Intimate Tickles Thought You Might Be Interested

Published: Mon, 16 Jul 2018 05:00:00 +0000

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Global Hug Your Kids Day was started by Michelle Nichols in 2008, a decade after her son Mark died of brain cancer at the age of 8 ½. The day reminds mom and dads—especially those who are working parents and often gone—to show affection to their kids by hugging them every day.

Hugging has been around for millennia and is practiced by almost all cultures as a way to connect to others without using language. Hugs have traditionally been given in may scenarios: as a greeting or goodbye, for sympathy or congratulations, and for gratitude, support, and affection. The word “hug” seems to have come from “hugga,” an Old Norse word meaning “to comfort.” “Hug” was first used around 1610, to describe a wrestling hold. It began being used for its current meaning in the 1650s.

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. It also reduces anxiety, improves mood and memory, and increase 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.

Global Hug Your Kids Day, also known as Global Hug Your Kid Day, is observed next on Monday, July 15th, 2019. It has been observed the third Monday in July since 2008.