Hugging is the act of holding someone to express affection and care, right? Surprisingly, hugs can actually do a lot more than people think. According to researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, it can actually protect the health of your heart and help reduce stress.

Contact with another being increases the oxytocin levels in your brain, which has many benefits including lowering blood pressure and increasing generosity. “Hugs always make me feel better. It’s a small relief to know that someone doesn’t mind having you two inches from their body,” student Lane Matthews expressed.

Bob Jones student Jack Judy couldn’t care less whether he likes or even knows the person he embraces. “I spread the love through hugging friends, strangers, family, etc.” Not long ago, he created a Facebook page entitled “Jack Hugging People.” The page includes photos of him hugging family members, teachers, coaches, officers, and students of different ethnicities.

“Well, I’ve always been a hugger, but recently my hugging tendencies and my narcissism combined into Jack Hugging people,” he explained. Within a month, the page racked up over 70 likes and received positive feedback.

Hopefully, the movement continues and others are encouraged to brighten up someone’s day and help their physical health with a kind gesture. Everyone experiences stress in their life, but no one is forced to deal with it alone. Hug someone!