Jan. 21 marks National Hugging Day, a day that comes during a time where simple human intimacy is considered a luxury. Although this day may not be well-known, there are many who are saddened by the effects that COVID-19 has had on their ability to embrace their loved ones.
According to SCL Health, hugging others has various benefits such as lowering stress, boosting our immune system and decreasing depression. 20-second hugs are proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure. They can also trigger the release of oxytocin, also known as the love chemical, in the brain.
Unfortunately, due to the increasing spread of COVID-19, National Hugging Day may not be celebrated to the same extent as it has in recent years. However, there may be other ways to spread joy and happiness in the place of giving hugs.
“I miss being able to see friends easily and being able to go out without having to worry about getting sick,” said Jesse Martin, a senior biology major.
However, Martin shared that making plans in advance and sticking to them has been helpful for her and her friends.
Other students have found alternative ways to spend time with their friends in a way that is safe with social distancing guidelines in place.
Junior social work major Morgan Carter said that she misses being able to hang out with her friends at the movies or restaurants. Even though these businesses are open, many are still weary about being around others.
“COVID is scary,” Carter said, “especially because we still have more questions than answers.”
In place of spending time with friends in public, Carter and her friends have been taking advantage of technology by using apps such as Netflix Party and FaceTime.
“It’s not the same,” Carter said, “but we appreciate the time spent nonetheless.”
Although numerous people have had to change how they spend time with friends and family due to COVID-19, some have been impacted by the pandemic more than others.
Raegen Grooms, a sophomore psychology major, has been affected greatly by the pandemic. Grooms shared that she has never officially celebrated National Hugging Day, but “being an affectionate person, I have unintentionally celebrated it at some point.”
Due to the pandemic, Grooms spent a lot of time away from her family and was unable to hug her mother for almost nine months.
“By the time I finally got to see [my mom] this holiday season, a simple hug was enough to bring us to tears.” Grooms went on to say, “I never realized just how much I took small things like that for granted.”
As we approach National Hugging Day and continue to live in a world of social distancing and mask wearing, remaining connected with others is important even if hugging has to be replaced with fist bumps or air hugs.
“While a quick text doesn’t hold the same weight as a hug,” Grooms said, “it can make someone’s day and remind them that people care about them.”
Graphic by Katelyn Miller
