Would I be crossing a certain line here...?

So I have severe anxiety issues... And anxiety attacks have been brought on daily for the past week... as a result of isolation combined with my usual high stress personality. So I went to my psych... and among other things, one of the things he told me to do is hug people that are important.... or be more physical than I would ever be with anyone else. It'll make relationships feel more real/tangible... and physically attack the alone feeling... One of the most important people he said to do this with is my best friend... He's also male.... I just fear for awkwardness if I ask to hug/am touching him a lot more than usual... Is there a right way to do this... or am I worrying about nothing, and should just do it? We're not actually gay... But I want to avoid creating uncomfortableness..