A film by Carly Alyssa Thorne and Smile TV.

Holidays can be a lonely and stressful time, particularly for those with mental health issues. Arie Moyal spends two weeks each year around the Christmas holidays providing support to travelers through free hugs. Virginia Satir, a noted family therapist, claimed that we need 4 hugs a day for survival; 8 hugs a day for maintenance; and 12 hugs a day for growth. And scientists have determined that one of the reasons hugs makes you feel good is that they stimulate the production of oxcytocin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to our sense of connectedness, and as a result, happiness. "You have a better day when you get hugs."

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  • Arie Moyal

    Thank you everyone for your kind words :) *HUGS*

  • Rashid

    Rashid

  • samwel samike

    I am going to do to my family and all others from this chrismas days. thank you Arie Moyal!

  • MaryLynne

    One of the BIG perks for me when working in a primary school was the many times I received and returned hugs from the children. Accompanied by big smiles too, of course. It spilled over to the adults I worked with: I would indicate my pleasure or gratitude for them by raising my forearms close to my body (hands close to my face) doing a squeezing motion. Both kids and adults would often take that cue to give me a hug. Hugging is free because you can't give without getting at the same time. Altho' I am retired, I still do this in places where I want to express my gratitude to and joy in others with whom I am feeling connection. However, I am not sure I could use a sign in a large public space like an airport!

  • Kristin Pedemonti

    I share FREE HUGS all year long, often with the Homeless on the streets. It has made a HUGE impact on my life. Thank you Arie for sharing love and connectedness. It makes a difference! HUGS from my heart to yours. And today on Christmas I am taking hot soup, socks and my sign out to the streets of DC. <3

  • Deborah

    The selfless quality of the action and the idea od just doing what's available for you to do.. Thank you. This video was a Christmas gift. Thank you, Arie. I feel inspired to pay more attention and to act with kindness to others.

  • lonnie bank

    I love hugs too, the human experience makes a day brighter.

  • Reet

    really gud.. it gives a long smile on our faces because in today's fast and busy life we people have forgotten to smile. Thanx to Arie..:)

  • Onehaole

    "Do you see me? Do you love me? Do you care?" I love this idea, and I love that people accept the hugs from strangers. I believe "we take from the touch of someone else's ways that which we need to continue our days...." We ripple what it is we feel and when we see someone who needs our smile, we generously give. All our Creator has gifted us with should be passed on. I don't wait for Christmas...if I see one who needs a touch, I will reach out. We are all on the same path in our life, and to help another is the least we can do. I once was asked, by a stranger, as I was on a walk in Hayward, CA if I could give a hug. He just needed one, so he said. I saw this stranger mid-day several days later at a grocery store. I left my line of checking out, went to stand behind him, and when he noticed me, I asked, "Excuse me, I gave you something a few days ago, very early in the morning. Do you mind giving it back to me?" He had the strangest look on his face till I said, "Remember...just a hug?" His face so lit up all over again. I never knew his name, and we never met again, but what a memory! We need to make new memories every day....God provides the oportunity! Love this video and the gumption of the people willing to do this...may they always sense God's blessings!

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  • This year, the fifth annual HugTrain will criss-cross the U.S. from December 22, 2013 to January 5, 2014.  Find out more and hop on board.
  • To see more heart-warming videos like "Free Hugs with HugTrain's Arie Moyal," check out Smile TV!
  • Hugs are healing. Research indicates that 8 hugs a day allows you to reap the full benefits of oxytocin production. Start hugging!

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