Kangaroo mother and baby

Is a hug really that magical?. Hugging Day

Whether you call it a hug or an embrace, there is something about the power of touch that all mammals can relate to. Take this mommy kangaroo and her joey for example—no words are needed to convey what is portrayed in this image. Not only does this cute pair radiate warmth and fuzzies, but it's also a perfect visual for National Hugging Day, which we are celebrating today.

This warm-hearted occasion was created in 1986 by a man named Kevin Zaborney, who chose January 21 because it fell after the run of year-end holidays, landing right in the middle of winter when spirits tend to be low. That makes perfect sense, right? After all, hugging has been an essential part of the human experience for thousands of years. And studies have shown that it reduces stress, too. So, find yourself a willing partner today and hug it out. You'll feel better, we promise. And if you aren’t a person who welcomes human touch then search for the perfect tree and hug it will all the love you have within. After all trees do respond.