My name is Angela, and I'm a hugger

One of my favorite movies always will be Elf. Will Ferrell's character of Buddy the Elf is so happy and innocent, and I love how loving he is. I've been known to repeat a line or 20 from the film. Among my favorite scenes is the one where Buddy is in an elevator with a total stranger and, after having pushed every single button, he makes his way off the elevator only to exclaim, "Oh! I forgot to give you a hug!"

For as long as I can remember, I've been a hugger. I come from a very huggy extended family. I've always been one to hug my friends and family. I hug my students. And I've even been known to hug someone I've just met, because, why not. 

It's safe to say that hugging rocks. 

Do you KNOW all the cool things hugging does? 

It lowers cortisol and other stress hormones. 
It lowers the risk of heart disease. 
It eases depression. 
It boosts the immune system. 
It fights fatigue. (And as I may have mentioned about a billion times before, I'm fatigued, man.)

There's even a National Hug Day (it's January 21 next year, FYI). 

Children who are hugged are less likely to have delays in walking, talking, and reading. In my totally biased opinion, hugs are the very best way to show love especially to kiddos you can squish. 

Statistically, the average hug lasts less than ten seconds, but most people spend an hour a month hugging! And 75% of people asked say they'd like more hugs. Who am I to deny them that pleasure? 

The next time you're wondering if you should go in for the hug or not, do it. Buddy the Elf would!