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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Hugging Day™ Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary on January 21, 2026

40 Years of Human Connection through Hugging • From One Hug to a Global Day

Caro, MI USA— January 21, 2026 — National Hugging Day™ (also referenced as Hug or Hugging Day, Global Hug or Hugging Day, World Hug or Hugging Day, and International Hug or Hugging Day as examples), one of the world’s most recognizable celebrations of human connection, marks its 40th anniversary this year. What began in 1986 as a simple reminder to reach out and embrace one another has grown into a global movement spanning cultures, generations, and communities.

At the heart of this milestone is the day’s founder, Kevin Zaborney MDiv, QIDP, who introduced National Hugging Day™ with a belief that small gestures of kindness can strengthen the emotional fabric of society. Four decades later, his message resonates more powerfully than ever.

“National Hugging Day began 40 years ago as a simple reminder of human connection. In a world more divided and digitally distant than ever, the message matters more now than it did in 1986.” ~ Kevin Zaborney, MDiv, QIDP

A Global Tradition Rooted in Wellness and Unity

National Hugging Day™ has evolved far beyond its origins in Michigan. Today, it is observed in countries around the world, embraced by families, workplaces, schools, and community organizations. The day’s purpose has remained consistent: to encourage genuine, positive connection through consensual hugging.

Modern research continues to affirm what Zaborney intuitively understood in 1986—hugs support emotional well-being, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging. In an era defined by digital communication and social fragmentation, the simple act of a hug has become a powerful symbol of unity.

Kevin Zaborney: A Warm Voice Behind a Global Movement

Zaborney’s vision was never about novelty or spectacle. It was about humanity. His approachable, heartfelt message has helped National Hugging Day™ endure as a cultural institution for 40 years.

“People often underestimate the impact of a hug,” Zaborney reflects. “It’s a universal language of care. Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or your community, the intention is the same—connection.”

A 40-Year Legacy, A Renewed Call to Connect

As National Hugging Day™ enters its fifth decade, its mission is expanding. The 2026 anniversary is a year-long campaign that encourages people worldwide to embrace this connection in all its forms—physical, emotional, and communal.

Organizations, schools, and global partners are invited to participate by hosting events, sharing stories of connection, and promoting the wellness benefits of positive touch and human closeness. S[pmsprs are also being sought for a 40th Anniversary celebration to be held at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, CA at a later date in 2026.

BENEFITS OF EMBRACING/HUGGING (The Short List):
• Hugging releases Oxytocin, often called “the bonding or love hormone”
• Hugging improves one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health
• Hugging frequently produced less severe common cold symptoms
• Hugging promotes attachment in relationships
• Hugging may reduce anxiety, depression, and attentional disorders
• Hugging reduces stress by reducing the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine
• Hugging lowers blood pressure and heart rate
• Hugging may diminish inflammation following acute stroke and cardiac arrest
• Hugging may improve pain tolerance

Kevin Zaborney
National Hugging Day LLC

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