Prof. Banissy and fellow researchers studied the length of an optimal hug and found that five to ten seconds is best.  

Prof. Banissy says:   

“Many of us know that it feels good to receive a hug, but we don’t often stop and think about the other positive effects of hugging. 

“In the context of going to an airport and taking a flight, you can see how hugs could play out as beneficial in terms of managing people’s anxiety or stress levels.

“The three-minute thing is interesting, because technically, the hormones that play a role in modulating these effects can be released within a few minutes, so that could be enough to get the benefit.” 

He adds: 

“On the flip side, we know that touch and hugs are very much influenced by context; touch needs to be wanted and feel appropriate, so you might imagine that if hugging feels unnatural for any reason, you’re not going to get the same level of benefit. There’s a bit of a risk with putting a time cap on it, that people might feel a bit tense about it – although I’m told they’re not going to have hug police.”