January 21st, a date that intriguingly reads 21-Jan-21, marks International Hugging Day. Coincidentally, it also falls during Walk Your Dog Month, adding to its charm. However, this year, with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, we face a unique situation in celebrating this day of affection.
Hugging has been scientifically recognized as an incredibly effective way to combat depression. Numerous experts have highlighted the transformative power of hugs and the healing properties of touch in general. Yet, this year’s International Hugging Day might carry a tinge of sadness due to the pandemic. The necessity of isolation raises concerns about a growing disconnect among people, potentially overshadowing the efforts of countless individuals worldwide who have championed the cause of connection through initiatives like free hug campaigns.
For me personally, hugging holds a special place in my heart, though it wasn’t always so. As a child, my neighborhood friends and I experienced plenty of physical play outdoors, but hugging or touching wasn’t common in my family. We considered this normal. Even when meeting relatives, including grandparents, our greetings lacked physical warmth like kisses or hugs.
In these times of COVID-19, while we must be mindful of health guidelines, let’s find creative and safe ways to keep the spirit of International Hugging Day alive. Whether it’s a virtual hug sent across the digital space, hugging members of our immediate household, or even hugging our pets, we can still celebrate the essence of this day. Hugs, whether physical or symbolic, remind us of the human need for connection and affection, something especially poignant in these challenging times.
Discovering the Transformative Power of Touch A Personal Journey Through Affection and Connection
My awakening to the profound importance of touch happened quite early in my life, and it was all thanks to my first nephew.
I was around 16 when he was born, and his arrival sparked a realization in me. I couldn’t fathom how the outpouring of love, touch, hugs, and kisses that a baby receives could ever come to an end. My heart overflowed with love for him, and all I wanted was to hold him, hug him, and be close to him. The joy and fulfillment I derived from this physical connection were immense, and I made a promise to myself to never let go of this practice. And I’ve kept that promise to this day.
The birth of my daughter further deepened my understanding of the healing nature of touch. The sensation of her soft skin against mine made me feel invincible, healed, and recharged. I realized that it wasn’t just the physical act of touch that was powerful, but the combination of touch with loving, positive intentions that truly worked wonders.
Years ago, I participated in the global Free Hug campaign, an experience that remains a highlight for me. My family and I took to the streets, armed with ‘FREE HUG’ signs, and embraced strangers who passed by. The experience was nothing short of amazing, reinforcing my belief in the magic of a loving touch.
This journey has taught me that while touch in itself is powerful, it’s the love and intention behind it that truly heals and connects us. Whether it’s a hug, a gentle touch, or holding hands, these simple acts of affection have the power to transform and uplift both the giver and the receiver.
Navigating Connection in a Time of Social Distancing The Challenge of Maintaining Human Bonds Amidst Restrictions
Initially, people were wary of us during the Free Hug campaign, but their skepticism quickly melted away. We reassured them that we weren’t affiliated with any cult, church, religious institution, or business. We weren’t selling anything or recruiting for any cause. Our message was simple: “If you want a hug, come to us.” Our aim was to promote hugs for the sake of health and human connection, embodying the idea that “12 hugs a day keep the doctor away.”
The experience was profoundly uplifting. At each event, we had 10 to 15 people giving hugs, and we hugged for an hour at a time. The sheer amount of touching, coupled with pure love and good intentions, left us feeling euphoric.
However, watching our old videos of street hugging this year brought a tinge of sadness. With the quarantine and social distancing measures in place (a phrase I’ve come to dislike), such activities became impossible. The year 2020 felt like a social pandemic, not just because of the virus, but due to the enforced distance between people.
Social Distancing and the Sense of Disconnection
Many psychological theories suggest that our emotional struggles often stem from a sense of disconnection. A common feeling among people is that they don’t belong or feel appreciated, respected, or accepted. This perception can significantly contribute to our emotional and psychological challenges.
Feeling disconnected is often a result of a distorted view of reality. We might believe that connection only exists when others, or a particular group, approve of our actions, thoughts, or even appearance. However, the truth is, we are inherently connected to everything simply by virtue of being alive.
To combat this sense of disconnection, it’s crucial to seek out and connect with others, find common ground, and share our lives. The current challenge is that social distancing hinders our ability to meet new people, share experiences, and engage in physical touch, which are all vital for fostering connections.
Navigating Connection and Fear in the Era of COVID-19 The Impact of Social Distancing on Emotional Well-being
The story of a family we know, whose mother had to move to a nursing home due to Alzheimer’s, highlights the profound impact of social distancing. Normally, such a transition is challenging and frightening, but the pandemic’s restrictions exacerbated the situation. For six months, no visits were allowed, and when they finally were, they were from a distance, with masks, making it impossible for her to recognize her loved ones. This was heartbreaking for everyone involved.
A Different Kind of Christmas
Traditionally, Christmas is a time for families to visit shopping centers and department stores, where children sit on Santa’s lap, share whispers, and take photos. It’s a moment filled with emotion and joy. However, this year, the pandemic changed that. Children had to sit 1.5 meters away from Santa, unable to touch or interact closely. This new rule, while necessary for safety, stripped away much of the fun and intimacy from these encounters, replacing holiday cheer with a sense of fear.
The Emotional Toll of the Pandemic
I’m concerned that COVID-19 might trigger an emotional pandemic, where fear of physical contact leads to increased disconnection between people. In Australia, despite a relatively low death toll from the virus, some of my friends are still terrified of physical interaction, choosing to isolate themselves completely.
This fear, in my view, is the real pandemic.
Take, for instance, my 8-year-old nephew. He was so afraid of contracting the virus that he refused to invite friends to his backyard for his birthday. Despite attending school with 30 other children and being told that small gatherings were permitted, his fear of death was so overwhelming that no explanation could alleviate it. This intense fear at such a young age raises concerns about the long-term effects on his ability to connect with others.
Finding a Middle Ground
While hugs are an ideal way to connect, even simple touches can be a meaningful compromise in these times. Until we can rebuild trust and overcome the pervasive fear, even small gestures of physical connection can make a significant difference. My nephew, along with many others, needs to regain trust in life and the safety of the world around them. They need to move past the belief that every person who comes close poses a life-threatening risk.
In this challenging time, it’s crucial to find ways to maintain connections and address the emotional impacts of the pandemic, fostering a sense of safety and trust in our interactions once again.
Embracing Virtual Hugs
Finding New Ways to Connect and Show Affection
As we continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it’s crucial to adapt and find new ways to celebrate the power of touch and hugs. This year, our approach to expressing affection and connection needs to be reimagined. Firstly, we should embrace giving more hugs to our family members and those we’re in close contact with, making up for the connections we’ve missed. Secondly, we can extend our warmth virtually, ensuring safety for ourselves and others.
The essence of International Hugging Day this year is to celebrate the act of hugging in any form. It’s not just the physical aspect of a hug that’s important, but also the sentiment of care and connection that accompanies it. The act of reaching out, even virtually, holds significant value.
So, let’s rise above the constraints imposed by the Coronavirus and embrace more opportunities to hug. If it’s safe and you’re around people, don’t hesitate to hug a little longer.
Make it a point to hug your family and close friends whenever you meet or part ways. And in the digital realm, let’s keep the spirit of hugging alive. Conclude your voice or video calls, and even your emails, with a warm “virtual hug.”
Why is this important? Because hugs possess a healing power, and in times like these, we all could use more of that healing. Let’s not let the pandemic diminish our capacity for affection and connection. Instead, let’s find new, innovative ways to keep the spirit of hugging alive.
