National Hugging Day is an annual event dedicated to the gesture of hugging, and is commemorated on Jan. 21.

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

According to scientists, there are many health benefits of hugging. The act can help boost your immune system and release a chemical called oxytocin from your brain, which makes you trust others.

Here are some quotes about the power of a hug, courtesy of Everyday Power.

1. "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.

2. "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

3. "Hugs are the universal medicine." – Unknown

4. "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

5. "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

6. “Millions and millions of years would still not give me half enough time to describe that tiny instant of all eternity when you put your arms around me and I put my arms around you.” – Jacques Prevert

7. “When the right person hugs you, it’s like medicine. I’m so grateful for those few people in my life who are good for my soul.” – Steve Maraboli

8. “Hugs can do great amounts of good – especially for children.” – Princess Diana

9. “A hug a day keeps the demons at bay.” – German Proverb

10. “Everybody needs a hug. It changes your metabolism.” – Leo Buscaglia

Daughter Hugging Mother
This is a representational image. Getty Images/ ANTHONY WALLACE
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