Hugging is a simple way to express many different types of affection, from friendly, to intimate, to familial. It’s an action largely limited to primates — while we can find instances of other animals in positions that resemble hugging, there aren’t any other species that do it so frequently, and for so many reasons — and so, in many ways, hugging sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. It’s not just a differentiator, though: studies show that hugging releases oxytocin, known as the “cuddle hormone,” which can help to strengthen social bonds. So, on June 29, we celebrate Hug Holiday. Get your hug on today!
