This is how long a hug should last, according to science

Looking to give your loved one the perfect hug? Psychologists in London claim they have cracked the code on the ideal embrace, saying hugs should last between five and 10 seconds.

According to researchers at Goldsmiths university, longer hugs were found to provide an immediate pleasure boost compared to shorter ones (lasting just one second). Rather than the style of embrace, the perfect hug is all about length.

In the study, a group of blindfolded participants hugged for one second, five or 10 seconds, and reported how pleasant it was. The pandemic deprived people of hugging at a time they needed it most, so it comes as no surprise that longer hugs were rated the best, while the one second hugs resulted in lower immediate pleasure.

When it came to squeeze style, the team found a criss-cross hug is the most comfortable, with neck-waist being described as more formal. While researchers suggested that “extremely brief hugs” should be avoided, it is unclear just how long is too long.

“Our findings suggest that longer hugs are more pleasant than very short hugs and criss-cross hugs are more common than neck-waist hugs,” researchers said in their paper. “We anticipate that the studies presented here will provide a foundation for future research on pleasant touch, especially for research on hugs, which are highly prevalent but still widely understudied.

“Our findings on hug pleasure align with research indicating that robots are evaluated less positively after a ‘too short’ [of a] hug, indicating that very short hugs are less pleasant than longer hugs.”

Time to give your loved one the perfect hug…

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Waterproof gloves: 19 to keep your hands warm and dry in 2023

For a knitted pair of waterproof gloves that protect hands from wind, water, mud and cold, these come highly rated. They’re available in various colours and made 100% waterproof and windproof. The unique multipurpose waterproof gloves for men are made close fitting and feature silicone printed fingers for ultra grip. The touchscreen capabilities and all-round design for everything from commuting to fishing and running to hiking, make this pair one of the best around.

Loved by wearers for being “lovely, soft, warm, windproof, but not bulky,” Jack Wolfskin’s popular gloves are water-repellent, stretchy and lightweight, too. The fleece lining keep your fingers warm during the chilliest of days and they’re extra breathable so they don’t get too sweaty.

A toasty pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm and dry this winter, Peter Storm’s affordable gloves feature Thinsulate technology for extra protection against the weather. They have a palm grip and an adjustable wrist strap, and can be used for ski holidays too, as they were made with extreme temperatures in mind.

With its snug fit, flexibility and sleek design, it’s not hard to see why these waterproof gloves from Anqier are loved by hundreds of shoppers. They’re designed to keep the cold, wet weather out, with fabric that moves with you and an anti-slip palm for easily gripping your phone or the steering wheel. One fan of the gloves says: “I am someone who is generally too warm running but get cold hands so these gloves have been a real help. They are super soft and comfy and you hardly notice them on.”

Supremely versatile, lightly insulated and touchscreen-compatible, The North Face’s Men’s Apex + Etip Glove comes in soft shell material, offering you comfort and optimum performance. Whether you’re heading out for snowy dog walks or you get caught into the rain during a hike, these are a trusty companion.

With its 100 per cent waterproof and extremely breathable material, these waterproof gloves from SealSkinz are worth checking out. The perfect lightweight solution, the fleece-backed lycra gloves are made from three layers and eliminate movement between the layers to create extreme dexterity and improve your grip. If you’re after a pair that keeps you warm, dry, and protected in any type of weather, the SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Lightweight Glove with Fusion Control is one to add to your basket.

Another pair of waterproof gloves from SealSkinz, the experts in all-weather hand warmers, this men’s design is waterproof, breathable and lightweight. The rugged and technical waterproof gloves feature a suede palm and pre-curved fingers for extra comfort. The thumb wiper is for a variety of uses, including wiping water or snow from your glasses.

Highly praised by Amazon shoppers and affordable, these unisex waterproof gloves are useful for hiking, running, cycling, driving and more. They feature a zip closure on the back, making them easy to remove, and sensitive touchscreen capability so you’ll have no problem using your phone. They’re also non-slip and will keep both water and wind out.

Described as “so warm” and “really easy to use your smartphone with,” these waterproof gloves from Trespass are made from fleece material and are ideal for staying connected and checking your texts while you stay toasty. They’re designed to be waterproof and breathable while the adjustable wrist strap ensures a snug fit.

With its three-layer construction, touchscreen compatibility and goatskin palm for durability, this is a pair of waterproof gloves that last. The women’s design is versatile, offers wrist closure for a secure fit and feels comfortable enough for everyday use and an array of adventures, from hiking to cycling. The all-weather waterproof gloves are constructed to fend off all conditions and you can expect excellent thermal protection.

Warm, breathable and thermal, these waterproof gloves are perfect for occasions and activities where dexterity is key but you also need dry hands. Extremities has taken its popular sticky power liner thermal gloves and added a waterproof, breathable membrane, as well as insulation, to create an all-round winter glove. They’re constructed from a warm and quick-drying stretch fabric, and feature a sticky silicone print palm and fingers for a secure grip.

Doing what they say on the tin, Mountain Warehouse’s Classic Waterproof Gloves are fleece-lined for warmth, breathable and feature an elastic draw cord at the wrists to keep out the rain and snow. Ideal for walking and other outdoor activities, they have a textured palm and fingers, plus ripstop fabric for a pair that lasts. We like the thoughtful buckle to keep them together when you’re not wearing the waterproof gloves.

A cosy knit construction with an affordable price tag places Mountain Warehouse’s waterproof gloves on our list of the best ones to buy this year. The unisex gloves are practical, featuring wide ribbed cuffs for a snug fit and textured patches on the palms for a firm grip. We like the classic knit fabric that’s perfect for keeping your hands warm while you’re outdoors. They’re also windproof, breathable and offer a close fit around the wrists to keep the wet weather out.

Extremities know a thing or two about keeping fingers warm and these waterproof gloves are worth checking out if you’re after a pair that go beyond keeping your hands dry. They feature super-insulating Primaloft Gold, X-Dry waterproofing and smartphone compatible technology. The woolly waterproof gloves also have a PU leather palm and a zip so you can easily slip them off.

These clever waterproof gloves from Trekmates use DRY Shield technology, which offers lightweight protection from the elements at an affordable price. The brushed soft microfleece lining and elasticated wrist and adjuster help to retain warmth and superb comfort. They also have a tough and grippy palm and fingers with touchscreen compatibility.

A tough pair of men’s waterproof gloves that are ideal for fast hikes, strenuous scrambles and everyday downpours, these are made with Porelle waterproof membrane and inserts. They’ll keep you super dry and provide ultimate warmth, too. The Porelle inserts are sandwiched between the shell and the lining to increase storm protection while still wicking away sweat. If you’re after waterproof gloves for every season, these are worth checking out.

Designed with cyclists in mind, these men’s gloves feature a waterproof and breathable membrane that keeps out the rain while allowing sweat to escape. The brushed fleece lining adds warmth for colder days and the stretch neoprene cuff offers an effective seal from the weather. The silicone grippers on the index and middle finger are ideal for shifting and braking duties while you cycle.

These leather waterproof gloves for men will protect hands from the cold weather and keep them dry. They’re fully waterproof and feature a nose wipe for frosty days. There is also an adjustable neoprene cuff to keep cool winds at bay and the hard-wearing leather palm offers longevity of wear. If you’re looking for a pair of waterproof gloves that look great and do the job, these are worth considering.

Fully functional, these waterproof gloves will take you from dawn to dusk with guaranteed protection from the wet weather and light snow. They keep you dry and warm on walks around town, doing outdoor work in wet conditions, and out on the trail with the dog. Think of these as the grippy, waterproof and thoughtfully designed gloves you’ll want to take on every adventure.