Share a Hug Day Introduction, History Of Share a Hug Day, How To Observe Share a Hug Day, 5 SSurprising Facts, Why Share a Hug Day Is Important, Upcoming Dates.
In the United States, Share a Hug Day is joyously celebrated on July 30 each year. The essence of this special day revolves around expressing love and appreciation to those close to us through the beautiful act of hugging. A simple embrace can hold profound significance, especially for those feeling down or in need of comfort. When wrapped in the arms of another person, the warmth and empathy conveyed through a hug create a powerful sense of security and solidarity.
The beauty of Share a Hug Day lies in its universal appeal; there is no wrong time to share a heartfelt hug. Whether we’re offering or receiving one, the gesture holds the power to uplift spirits and strengthen the bonds of friendship and love. It’s a reminder of the power of human connection and the comfort we can find in the warm embrace of a loved one. So, on this special day and beyond, let’s spread love and positivity by sharing hugs with those willing to embrace the warmth and kindness they bring.
HISTORY OF SHARE A HUG DAY
The heartfelt history of Share a Hug Day revolves around its creator, Mike Brundritt. A man who experienced profound loss, Brundritt was once married to a woman he deeply loved and shared a 19-year relationship with. Together, they had two beloved sons, creating a beautiful family bond.
On a fateful day, July 30, 2017, tragedy struck as they were returning home from a camping trip. A devastating accident occurred when a transport truck collided with their vehicle from behind. In an instant, Brundritt’s world was shattered as he tragically lost his wife and oldest son. Despite the immense grief, he and his youngest son survived the accident but had to grapple with the mental and physical toll of the traumatic event.
In the aftermath of this heartbreaking loss, Brundritt found solace and support in the shared hugs with his family and friends. Hugs became a poignant expression of love, empathy, and healing during those difficult times.
As the first anniversary of the accident approached, Brundritt sought a meaningful way to honor and remember his wife and son. He reflected on the countless hugs they had shared, as greetings, farewells, and symbols of affection. Inspired by the power of these simple gestures, he decided to establish a day dedicated to the act of hugging, as a way to honor the love they once shared.
On July 30, 2018, Brundritt took to his Facebook profile to propose the idea of “National Share a Hug Day.” He invited people to join him in creating something special to commemorate the lives of his wife and son. His heartfelt plea struck a chord with others, and the movement began to take shape through word-of-mouth.
From that day on, Share a Hug Day became an annual occasion to spread love, warmth, and comfort through hugs, honoring the lives of Brundritt’s dear ones and reminding us all of the power of human connection. It serves as a touching reminder that, despite life’s hardships, the simple act of embracing one another can bring healing, strength, and a sense of togetherness.
HOW TO OBSERVE SHARE A HUG DAY
Observing Share a Hug Day is a beautiful way to spread love and connection. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate this special day:
- Embrace Your Loved Ones: Take the opportunity to hug your loved ones and let them know they are cherished and appreciated. The warmth and affection conveyed through a heartfelt hug can speak volumes, reminding them of the love you hold in your heart. Always remember to ask for permission first, respecting their personal boundaries.
- Reflect on Your Affection: Take a moment to reflect on how often you express affection to others. Sometimes, we may hold back from showing our love directly, for various reasons. Use this day as a chance to ponder why that may be and consider ways to be more open and expressive with your feelings. Encourage others, especially men, to feel comfortable sharing their emotions and fostering deeper connections with friends and loved ones.
- Spread Love on Social Media: Share the significance of Share a Hug Day and Mike Brundritt’s touching story on your social media platforms. Create a post inviting your followers to share their experiences of hugging someone or being hugged. Encourage open conversations about the power of hugs and the warmth they bring to our lives. Use the #ShareAHugDay hashtag to spread the love and inspire others to join in this heartwarming celebration.
By embracing these actions, you can contribute to a world filled with more love, empathy, and meaningful connections. Share a Hug Day is a reminder that the simple act of hugging has the power to heal, unite, and bring joy to our lives. Let’s seize this opportunity to make a difference by embracing and celebrating the power of human connection.
5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT HUGS
Prepare to be amazed by these surprising facts about hugs:
- Oxytocin’s Magic: Hugs work wonders on our emotional well-being by triggering the release of oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin fosters trust, bonding, and social connections while serving as an antidote to feelings of depression.
- Fear Reduction: Hugs and touch have a remarkable impact on alleviating fears. Even interactions with inanimate objects, like hugging a teddy bear, can significantly reduce worry about mortality, as revealed in a study on fears and self-esteem.
- Blood Pressure Buster: The act of hugging has a direct effect on our physiology, specifically our blood pressure. When someone embraces us, pressure receptors known as ‘Pacinian corpuscles’ are activated, sending signals to the vagus nerve—a part of the brain responsible for reducing blood pressure.
- Immune-Boosting Embrace: Hugs not only warm our hearts but also strengthen our immune systems. A study by Carnegie Mellon University showed that receiving hugs and perceiving social support led to a reduced risk of infection when participants were exposed to the common cold virus.
- The Science of Timing: Ever wondered how long the average hug lasts? According to a study led by Emese Nagy from the University of Dundee, the average hug duration is approximately 3.17 seconds, just enough time to experience its heartwarming effects.
These intriguing facts showcase the incredible impact hugs have on our physical and emotional well-being. Whether it’s strengthening our immune system, reducing fears, or releasing oxytocin’s love-filled magic, a heartfelt embrace has the power to make us feel truly connected and uplifted. So, embrace the power of hugs and share the warmth of human connection to brighten your day and those of others around you.
WHY SHARE A HUG DAY IS IMPORTANT
Share a Hug Day holds immense importance for several compelling reasons:
- Expressing Affection: This special day encourages us to express affection and appreciation to our loved ones through the simple yet powerful act of hugging. It serves as a poignant reminder to show our love openly and freely, fostering deeper connections with those we care about.
- A Touching Story: The touching story of Mike Brundritt, the creator of Share a Hug Day, reminds us of the significance of compassion and support during times of grief and loss. It inspires us to be there for others who may be experiencing the pain of losing someone dear, using this day as an opportunity to extend empathy and care.
- Health Benefits: Hugs offer a plethora of health benefits that contribute to both our physical and mental well-being. The act of embracing releases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” fostering individual and social trust while serving as an antidote to stress, depression, and worry. Hugs also strengthen our immune systems and reduce blood pressure, enhancing our overall health.
SHARE A HUG DAY DATES:
Mark your calendars for this heartwarming celebration on the following dates:
- 2023: July 30 (Sunday)
- 2024: July 30 (Tuesday)
- 2025: July 30 (Wednesday)
- 2026: July 30 (Thursday)
- 2027: July 30 (Friday)
On these special days, let’s embrace the power of hugs and celebrate human connection by spreading love and warmth to our loved ones and beyond. Share a Hug Day provides a beautiful opportunity to strengthen bonds, promote well-being, and demonstrate the profound impact of a simple, heartfelt hug.
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