Free Hugs Campaign - The Many Benefits of Hug Therapy
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The Many Benefits of Hug Therapy
The Free Hugs Campaign began as one person's attempt to make a difference and reach out to others to brighten their lives.
The effects and impact of the Free Hugs campaign became one of the earliest viral phenomena on YouTube and is one of the top viewed videos online of all time.
Giving Free Hugs is meant to be a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better.
The Free Hugs Campaign uses elements of "hug therapy" or therapeutic hugging to make people feel better.
Read more about the Free Hugs Campaign and the benefit of hug therapy. You might find yourself hugging a few more people.
The effects and impact of the Free Hugs campaign became one of the earliest viral phenomena on YouTube and is one of the top viewed videos online of all time.
Giving Free Hugs is meant to be a random act of kindness, a selfless act performed by a person for the sole reason of making others feel better.
The Free Hugs Campaign uses elements of "hug therapy" or therapeutic hugging to make people feel better.
Read more about the Free Hugs Campaign and the benefit of hug therapy. You might find yourself hugging a few more people.
The Start of the Free Hugs Campaign
Juan Mann describes his inspiration for starting the Free Hugs Campaign as follows:
- Standing there in the arrivals terminal, watching other passengers meeting their waiting friends and family, with open arms and smiling faces, hugging and laughing together, I wanted someone out there to be waiting for me. To be happy to see me. To smile at me. To hug me.
So I got some cardboard and a marker and made a sign. I found the busiest pedestrian intersection in the city and held that sign aloft, with the words "Free Hugs" on both sides.
And for 15 minutes, people just stared right through me.
The first person who stopped, tapped me on the shoulder and told me how her dog had just died that morning. How that morning had been the one year anniversary of her only daughter dying in a car accident. How what she needed now, when she felt most alone in the world, was a hug.
I got down on one knee, we put our arms around each other and when we parted, she was smiling.
The Original Free Hug Campaign - Video
You can see the official view count at the bottom.
curated content from YouTube
Table of Contents for Free Hugs
Find out what is here. Click on 'More' to see the entire list.
Meeting Your Daily Need for Hugs
Supporting the Free Hug Campaign
Most Mom's know the benefits of hugging for their children. My older daughter gets up in the morning and the first thing she wants is a hug.I remember my Mom, a Preschool teacher for many many years, reciting the daily needs for hugs:
- We need 4 hugs a day for survival.
We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.
We need 12 hugs a day for growth.
Virginia Satir
During the time when I was by myself in graduate school medical school and out in training, I didn't get a chance to hug too many people, except for the occasional patient.
Since having my children, I am able to meet my daily needs for hug survival and work on making sure they are getting enough to grow and thrive.
Photo Source:
Joel Terrell. Mother and Son. Royalty Free Use.
Knowing that a simple act of human kindness can mean so much to someone in a time of need inspires me to keep offering free hugs.
Juan Mann
The Free Hugs Campaign
How One Man is Changing the World through Hugs
Free Hugs is the real life inspirational story of Juan Mann. His main mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign has become a phenomenal success. People around the world have been inspired to start their own Free Hug Movement, simply by watching the inspirational video.
- Official Home of the Free Hugs Campaign
- Official Home of the Free Hugs Campaign, inspired by Juan Mann.
- BandMerch Store - Free Hugs Campaign
- Order your exclusive Hug The World T-shirt and funding future endeavours of the Free Hugs Campaign worldwide!
- Free Hugs Campaign - Wikipedia
- More on the Free Hugs Campaign from Wikipedia.
- Hug The World - Forum
- Hug The World - Free Hugs Campaign Forum.
- The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
- Download The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs for free.
- The Free Hugs Movement Group on YouTube
- See the Videos that have been created by people participating in the Free Hugs Campaign.
- FreeHugs Campaign.Org on MySpace
- MySpace profile for FreeHugs Campaign.Org - JuanMann.TV with pictures, videos, personal blog, interests, information about Juan Mann and more.
A Hug Ring in the Amazon Spotlight
Sterling Silver Flawless Quality HUG Ring Band w/ Teeny Heart, 3/16" (5mm) wide, size 6.5
Amazon Price: $32.40 (as of 02/15/2012)
A heart ring with the word "hug." It serves as a good reminder to remember to hug someone - daily.
Free Hugs - 89 Countries Around The World!
Video featuring free hugs from around the world.
curated content from YouTube
The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
Download Your Copy of "The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs" online.
The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
Amazon Price: $14.02 (as of 02/15/2012)
Find out more about the Free Hugs Campaign with the The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs.
Hugging, Even When You Don't Want To
A Reminder that You Love Each Other
- If you're angry at a loved one, hug that person.
And mean it. You may not want to hug - which is all the more reason to do so.
It's hard to stay angry when someone shows they love you, and that's precisely what happens when we hug each other.
Walter Anderson
The Confidence Course, 1997
Photo Source: Mikas Vitkauskas. Chill in the Evening. Royalty Free Use.
Hug Time in the Amazon Spotlight
Hug Time
Amazon Price: $8.48 (as of 02/15/2012)
Jules the kitten learns that a hug is the simplest--but kindest--gift we can give. Follow this kitten's mission: to give the world a hug.
This book teaches children how one sensitive soul can make a difference.
The Gift of Touch
Quote on Hug (Touch) Therapy
In a world that has grown more complicated, more fierce in the demands made upon our hearts and pocket books, there is one easy, free gift left. The power of touch.Don't turn away from the elderly, disabled, terminally ill or long term care residents because their needs seem beyond your ability to give.
The one thing they need the most is the most simple, yet profound gift you have to give. Your kind hand holding theirs and a hug from your heart.
The gift of touch is the most powerful healing you can offer another, and it is the most powerful healing you can give yourself.
Give generously and watch yourself grow rich in what matters the most. Hug often, hug well...I embrace your spirit....
Kathleen Keating Schloessinger
Hugging Week for the Elderly
Positive Effects for Residents, Family and Staff
An abstract from a published research article in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work on using hug therapy with the elderly:
Elderly nursing home residents have a heightened need for affectionate touch and are particularly sensitive to its benefits.
This inspired two social workers to develop a "hugging week," celebrating the theme of affection throughout a geriatric facility.
This innovative program had positive effects not only on the residents but on family and staff members as well.
Weisberg J. 1989. A Therapeutic Hugging Week in a Geriatric Facility. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 13;3/4:181-186.
Elderly nursing home residents have a heightened need for affectionate touch and are particularly sensitive to its benefits.This inspired two social workers to develop a "hugging week," celebrating the theme of affection throughout a geriatric facility.
This innovative program had positive effects not only on the residents but on family and staff members as well.
Weisberg J. 1989. A Therapeutic Hugging Week in a Geriatric Facility. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 13;3/4:181-186.
Sometimes a Hug...
Quotes on Hugging
- Sometimes,
a hug is all that we need.
Juan Mann
Articles on Hug Therapy
The Power of Compassionate, Healing Touch
- By Kathleen Keating - Hug Therapy Book
- The official website maintained by Kathleen Keating,R.N.,M.A. author of Hug Therapy.
- Hug Therapy
- A page on "hug therapy." The term was popularized by Kathleen Keating when she wrote a book called Hug Therapy in 1983.
- Hug therapy: the benefits of hugging in the treatment of burn survivors
- An outreach to burn survivors explaining the benefits of hug therapy in the treatment of burn survivors.
- The Hug Therapy Book - Google Book Search
- Read the Hug Therapy Book on Google Book Search.
- Researched information on the importance of hugs as a therapy
- Researched information on the importance of hugs as a therapy from Life Positive.
Benefits of Hugging
Hug Therapy
There are many benefits to hugging. This simple act accomplishes many things that you may have never considered.
- It feels good.
- It dispels loneliness.
- It overcomes fear.
- It opens doors to feelings.
- It builds self-esteem.
- It fosters altruism.
- It slows down aging (huggers stay young longer).
- It helps curb appetite (we eat less when we are nourished by hugs and when our arms are busy wrapped around others).
- It eases tension.
- It fights insomnia.
- It keeps arms and shoulder muscles in condition.
- It provides stretching exercise if you are short.
- It provides stooping exercise if you are tall.
- It offers a wholesome alternative to promiscuity.
- It offers a healthy, safe alternative to alcohol and other drug abuse (better hugs than drugs!).
- It affirms physical being.
- It is democratic (anyone is eligible for a hug).
Hugging Octopus (or Squid)
More Arms for Hugging
- I love hugging.
I wish I was an octopus,
so I could hug ten people at a time.
Drew Barrymore
Photo Source: Steven Ritts. Squid. Royalty Free Use.
Even More Benefits from Hugging
How the Free Hugging Model Works
Some of the additional benefits to hugging include.
- It is ecologically sound (it does not upset the environment).
- It is energy-efficient (saves heat).
- It is portable (you can take it with you).
- It requires no special equipment.
- It demands no special setting (a fine place for a hug is any place from a doorstep to an executive conference room ... from a church parlor to a football field).
- It makes happy days happier.
- It imparts feelings of belonging.
- It fills up empty places in our lives.
- It keeps on working to dispense benefits even after the hug is released.
Juan Mann Answers Questions
Juan Mann Free Hugs answers 10 questions. Melbourne Australia As One Gathering
powered by Youtube
A Free Hug
Image Source: Free Hug Campaign.
'Juan Mann' on Oprah
Giving Back with Free Hugs
One man looking for some cheer in his hometown down under has started a worldwide movement-by simply offering free hugs!Thanks to the YouTube video, Juan's movement is spreading worldwide-he is even organizing a global hug day on September 10, 2006.
- The Gift of Giving Back: Free Hugs!
- Meet the man on Oprah who started an international phenomenon with a simple sign and a simple message: Free hugs!
A Squidoo Lens on Juan Mann
More About Free Hugs
Give someone a hug today
Other people helping to spread the message.
- Free hugs priceless in a culture of violence | NEWS.com.au
- Did you know that in New South Wales, Monday (a public holiday there) was declared a day of hugging? From Australia's Courier Mail.
- Free Hugs - Give someone a hug today
- A site created and dedicated to the idea of free hugs by Richard who was touched by the Free Hugs video as a way of supporting this idea.
- Free Hugs Campaign - Buzzing with Ange
- Spreading the word about the Free Hugs Day Campaign on Monday the 10th of September is Free Hugs.
- Spotted: Free Hugs Campaign on Congress Avenue!
- The Free Hugs Campaign has come to Austin on Valentine's Day 2008. From That Other Paper.
- A Virtual Hug for You on Valentine's Day... Pass it On
- A Virtual Valentine's Hug from the Grief, Loss & Transitions - Journey of Hearts Blog
- The Gift of Touch - Quote on Hug (Touch) Therapy
- Discussing the Gift of Touch and Hug Therapy on the Grief, Loss & Transitions - Journey of Hearts Blog.
- Epoch Times | Imagine All the People
- Founder of the Free Hugs Campaign, Juan Mann, talks to The Epoch Times about how offering 'random acts of kindness' has become an international phenomenon.
Free Hugs Around the World on YouTube
Four years ago a single man in Sydney, Australia initiated a journey aimed at changing the world and making it a warmer place. This was the very first "free hugs campaign". Ever since, hundreds of people around the word carried on that spirit. Today we wish to complete his mission and cover the world with hugs.
powered by Youtube
The Official Hugs Book
The Official Hugs Book,
Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 02/15/2012)
The Official Hugs book answers all of your questions from "What is a Hug" to "Who you should hug" and even "When you should hug."
A great gift idea for your favorite 'huggie'.
Recommended Books on Hugs for Children
Available on Amazon
A Free Cuddly Hug
A Free Cuddle
Image Source: Lance McCord. An Inescapable Hug.
Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
Imagine all the people...
You can make the difference
These were some of the final words (Imaging all the people...) included in the YouTube Video description, words from one of my favorite singers, John Lennon.
These words are a beautiful sentiment for the Free Hugs Campaign movement.
- Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one.
John Lennon
These words are a beautiful sentiment for the Free Hugs Campaign movement.
Free Hugs Shirts on Amazon
A Squidoo Lens on Imagine
Recommended Books on Hugs for Adults
Hugs in the Business World
Hugs You Can Eat on Amazon
Good Night Hugs Cocoa - Hershey's Hugs
In case you love your hugs with kisses in chocolate...
Free Hugs - The Most Inspirational YouTube Video for 2006
Recognizing the Best of the Best
Most Inspirational YouTube Video for 2006A simple concept - giving passersby a hug - hits a deep chord and becomes even more unstoppable when the police try to end the campaign.
Australian Juan Mann set out to brighten strangers' lives in Sydney by offering "free hugs." He's embraced with a mixture of warmth, humor and distrust, but his mission is none other than a random act of kindness. Fellow Aussies Sick Puppies offer the emotive soundtrack.
Thanks to the video spreading like wildfire on YouTube and beyond, the "free hugs" concept has taken on a life of its own. In fact, the creators have inspired thousands of fans from around the world who want to start "free hugs" campaigns of their own.
- The First YouTube Video Awards 2006
- Recognizing the best of the best during the first YouTube Video Awards Presented in March 2007.
- The Votes are in for the First Ever YouTube Video Awards
- YouTube, the leader in online video, is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the winners of the 2007 YouTube Video Awards that were announced today. These individuals were on the forefront of the most creative and popular original content in 2006, helping to cultivate the YouTube community and foster the online video phenomenon.
A Danish Hug
February 3, 2007 Aarhus, Denmark
Image Source: Kristian Bertel. Uffe Hug.
Some Rights Reserved. Creative Commons.
The Special Tiny Instant of All Eternity
Quote on Hugging
- Millions and millions of years
would still not give me half enough time
to describe that tiny instant of all eternity
when you put your arms around me
and I put my arms around you.
Jacques Prevert
Photo Source: Brenda Lamothe Coulomme. Lovers. Royalty Free Use.
The Latest on the Free Hug Campaign
News from Google
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byFree Hugs T-shirts and Buttons
Available on CafePress
A Virtual Hug to Brighten Your Day
Ready for an Online Hug?
Here's Your Online Hug:
Now go an pass it on to someone else.
Here's another bigger one:
So in the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, Pass this along to a friend and hug a stranger!
After all, If you can reach just one person...you can brighten up someone's day.
- ((( Hug )))
Now go an pass it on to someone else.
Here's another bigger one:
- ((((( HUG )))))
So in the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, Pass this along to a friend and hug a stranger!
After all, If you can reach just one person...you can brighten up someone's day.
Vote for Your Favorite Virtual Hug
Which Virtual Hug Do You Prefer?
Vote for your favorite and add you own.
1
((((( HUG )))))
A big hug7 points
2
{{{ hug }}}
A sweet hug4 points
3
((( Hug )))
A regular hug4 points
4
((((((( HUGZ )))))))
A huge hug3 points
5
!! hug !!
An excited hug3 points
6
[ hug ]
A quick hug1 point
7
* hug *
A bold hug1 point
A Squidoo Lens on the Inspirational Starfish Story
Making a difference, one hug, one person at a time.
Squidoo Lenses on Caring Random Acts of Kindness
Making a Difference by Being Kind
A Special Thanks to Paul & The Ripples Project
Exploring the Extraordinary Power of Tiny Actions
A special thanks goes out to Paul and the Ripples Project for bringing the Free Hugs Campaign to my attention in the Ripples Project weekly newsletter.For more about Paul & the Ripples Project visit their website (maybe my next Squidoo lens).
Comment on the Free Hug Campaign
Your final hug:
- {{{ hug }}}
Remember in the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, Pass this along to a friend and hug a stranger!
If you can reach just one person...you can brighten up someone's day.
Be sure to share your hugs and comments.
submit
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makeupbrush
Dec 27, 2011 @ 4:18 pm | delete
- Never heard of such movement before. Thanks for sharing the info. It feels nice and warm!
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makeupbrush
Dec 27, 2011 @ 4:18 pm | delete
- Never heard of such movement before. Thanks for sharing the info. It feels nice and warm!
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Reply
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squidshe
Nov 12, 2011 @ 8:38 pm | delete
- No doubt, a hug always makes me feel better :) Nice lens
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Reply
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photosteve212
Nov 4, 2011 @ 8:49 am | delete
- Thanks for the lens--well needed and GREAT information!
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AigulErali
Jun 24, 2011 @ 5:09 pm | delete
- Hugs are awesome! Thumbs up.
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About the Author
by Comfortdoc
Comfortdoc
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS is the mother of two very energetic young girls, who thankfully still enjoy hugging and cuddling. She is also a respected physician,... more »
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Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
The Illustrated Guide to Free Hugs
Amazon Price: $14.02 (as of 02/15/2012)
Juan Mann's book on Free Hugs.
More Random Act Lenses
A Fun Free Hugs Coin Purse
Blue Q - Free Hugs Coin Purse
Amazon Price: $2.65 (as of 02/15/2012)
A cute reminder to give free hugs.
