8 Seconds Hug is the hug reminder and habit tracker built around one simple action: a conscious 8-second hug, every day.
Science shows that sustained touch triggers oxytocin, lowers cortisol, and calms your nervous system. This app gives you a guided 8-second timer, daily streak tracking, a 12-week history view, and science-backed cards explaining why touch matters.
ONE TAP TO START
Open the app and tap once. A breathing circle guides you. A gentle vibration tells you when you're done. No setup, no friction.
DAILY HABIT TRACKING
Your streak builds one hug at a time. A 12-week dot calendar shows you every day you connected. The streak stays alive until midnight so opening the app in the evening never feels like you've already failed.
SCIENCE CARDS
Every day you see one card from our library: oxytocin and touch, cortisol reduction, heart rate effects, C-tactile fibers, the research on loneliness, why 8 seconds, and self-hug research. Every card cites its source. No exaggerated claims.
DAILY REMINDER
Set a gentle notification at any time. The reminder rotates through different messages so it never feels repetitive. Turn it off any time. No guilt messages.
SELF-HUG INCLUDED
You don't need another person. Crossing your arms over your chest activates the same receptors. The self-hug card is built in because it belongs there.
PRIVATE BY DESIGN
No account. No server. No tracking. Everything stays on your device. You can delete all your data from settings at any time.
Available in Spanish and English.
Not a medical or therapeutic product.