The “free hugs” movement promotes the exchange of affection between strangers. Today, we live in an individualized and prejudiced world where it is difficult to trust others. This initiative started in Australia in 2004 but has now become a worldwide phenomenon.
Juan Mann, the founder of the movement, returned to his native Australia when he was not in the best of spirits. He was going through an emotional bereavement. He did not even leave his house, but one day when he went out with great effort he met an acquaintance who gave him a hug that filled him with strength. He was encouraged after that hug and from that moment on he decided to give hugs to strangers around Sydney.
Thanks to Shimon Moore who posted a video of Juan Mann’s hugs, the “free hugs” movement went viral.
Since the beginning of the “free hugs” movement, many people around the world started giving hugs to others.
The benefits of giving hugs
Hugs, whether from strangers or acquaintances, generate oxytocin, the well-known “happiness hormone”. This hormone has a positive effect on our body both physically and emotionally.
Hugs not only provide oxytocin but also serotonin and dopamine, hormones that give us a feeling of tranquility and well-being.
Hugs help to reduce the levels of cortisol in our organism, a hormone that puts us in a bad mood and generates stress and sadness. Hugs cause us to produce happiness hormones, capable of reducing levels of discomfort.
Hugs have a multitude of benefits for our organism. They reduce blood pressure, improve the immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease. Hugging also boosts our confidence, raises our self-esteem and connects us with others.