National Hugging Day Date in the current year: January 21, 2024

The idea of National Hugging Day belongs to Kevin Zaborney, who introduced this holiday on January 21, 1986 in Clio, Michigan, USA. This holiday had to encourage others to hug everyone, no matter who they are: members of family, friends or strangers.

Hugging has many benefits for our health. Different studies prove that hugging helps build a good immune system and decrease risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and trigger the release of healthy hormones. A hug or just 10 minutes of holding hands with a romantic partner reduces stress and its harmful physical effects.

Hugging your romantic partner is the best for your health, but don't avoid hugs with your friend or even stranger on National Hugging Day. Maybe you will become a new hugging champion. The record of most hugs given by one person in one hour belongs to Nick Vujicic. He hugged 1,749 people at an expo center in Oregon in 2010.