a simple gesture, immense benefits

Health roxanne. World Wednesday 01st January 2025 05:18 AM REPORT

International Hug Day takes place every year in the middle of winter, on January 21, and this will be the case this new year 2025 as well.

January 21, 2025 marks, like every year, International Hugs Day. More than a simple gesture, the hug stands out as a true symbol of human connection, kindness and well-being. Created in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney, an American pastor eager to combat winter gloom, this day invites us to reconnect with a simple but essential gesture.

The hug: a solution to the winter blues

In the heart of winter, where light is scarce and temperatures are inclement, many feel a feeling of withdrawal or loneliness. Kevin Zaborney’s response to this observation? Giving and receiving hugs. Supported by scientific research, this idea reveals that hugs stimulate the production ofoxytocinnicknamed the love hormone, and contribute to better stress management, reduced anxiety and even a strengthening of the immune system. A hug, according to studies, brings real benefit, whether shared with a loved one, a friend or even a stranger as part of the famous Free Hugs.

Hugs transcend ages and contexts. In children, they play a key role in emotional development, helping to build a strong emotional foundation. For adults, they offer a welcome break from the daily hustle and bustle. And for the elderly, they remind us of the importance of human contact in the fight against isolation.

The importance of touch is often overlooked, but it remains a universal language. A hug can mean a lot where words fail. It’s a way of saying “I’m here” without artifice, of communicating tenderness or empathy in an immediate way. As American psychotherapist Virginia Satir explains, “ We need four hugs a day to survive. We need eight to work. And twelve to grow. »

Rethinking our interactions with others and the importance of hugs

International Hugs Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the place of human interactions in our lives. At a time when screens capture a large part of our attention, where gestures are sometimes formalized behind a mask of politeness, this day reminds us that physical contact remains essential to our balance.

On January 21, 2025, take a few moments to honor this day. A hug costs nothing, but it can greatly enrich the day of both the receiver and the giver. Whether with your family, your friends or your colleagues, this gesture can breathe a little warmth and closeness into a sometimes cold and distant routine.

Without claiming to solve all problems, International Hugs Day reminds us that happiness often lies in simple gestures. Offering a hug means choosing to create a moment of connection, to lighten the load of others a little and, perhaps, to feel better yourself.