There are many ways to express your love and care for someone. You can do it with a variety of things, including simple acts of service, sweet words or nice gifts. But sometimes, a warm tight hug can easily do the job.

In fact, a hug from a loved one or even a stranger might help you forget about the sorrows you are in.

According to scientists, a hug comes with a number of health benefits. It can help boost your immune system and release a chemical called Oxytocin from your brain, which makes you trust others.

To remind people of the importance of this gesture, National Hug Day or Hugging Day is celebrated on Jan. 21 in the United States.

This day was created by Kevin Zaborney from Michigan in 1986. He wanted to spread the idea of expressing emotions and encourage people to hug family members and friends more often.

This hug day, express your love, gratitude and care toward your loved ones with a tight embrace. This simple gesture can heal broken relationships and may even pave for a new one. Just don't forget to ask first if you're not sure about how a particular person would respond. Although hugs are magical, it is important to consider those who are not huggers.

Meanwhile, here are a few quotes about the power of a hug, courtesy of Everyday Power.

  • "There's something in a simple hug that always warms the heart. It welcomes us back home and makes it easier to part." – Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr.
  • "If you're angry at a loved one, hug that person. And mean it. You may not want to hug – which is all the more reason to do so. It's hard to stay angry when someone shows they love you, and that's precisely what happens when we hug each other." – Walter Anderson
  • "Hugs are the universal medicine." – Unknown
  • "Sometimes all you can do is hug a friend tightly and wish that their pain could be transferred by touch to your own emotional hard drive." – Richelle E. Goodrich
  • "Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms. So, stretch out your arms to someone today. Reach out to those you love. It will warm the heart of the giver and give light to the soul of the recipient." – Unknown
Tiger Woods and son Charlie share a hug after the first round of the PNC Championship family team tournament
Tiger Woods and son Charlie share a hug after the first round of the PNC Championship family team tournament GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Mike Ehrmann
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