Research shows modern men like cuddles as much as women Survey shows men turn to physical contact in hour of need Also enjoy music, fresh air and seeing friends Women also chat to friends on the phone and watch favourite TV Figures show we are more likely to have tea than opt for alcohol Surprisingly a hot bath only came number 15 of the list Modern men enjoy a hug as much as women do, according to new research. A detailed study found far from being macho characters who hide their feelings, most men are now happy to admit they frequently need a cuddle amid their busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules. Other things which men now turn to in the hour of need are music, fresh air and a get together with friends. Men enjoy hugs as much as women, as demonstrated by best friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck As well as also indulging in the above, women also admitted they reach for a cup of tea when they are glum, while chatting to a friend on the phone and watching their favourite TV programme also featured highly. Overall the figures show we are more likely to flick the kettle on than opt for an alcoholic drink to cheer us up. Psychologist Donna Dawson, said: 'Little things mean a lot in life, and many of them are free: walking outdoors or listening to our favourite music both work by calming us through using our senses of sight, sound, smell and taste. And heightening our senses can, in turn, lift our spirits, especially on those dark miserable days of winter. As "touch" is the most powerful sense of them all, this explains why a hug is the number one "mood changer." We are more likely to turn to a cup of tea than alcohol When the skin is rubbed, it produces hormones and enzymes that boost the immune system and increase feelings of well-being. Women's brains are naturally more "wired" to be receptive to touch - which is why they find hugging easier to do than men.' Top of the list of little things that mean a lot was a hug, with 55 per cent of people saying it was their number one seasonal mood improver. Other things to make the top ten included spending one-on-one time with a partner, comfort food and a call or text from a relative. Of the things that didn't make the top ten, alcohol came in at 13th place. The traditional hot bath took 15th place and, despite being known to physiologically improve well-being, exercise was down in 16th place in the study. The study by AXA also examined the people we turn to on bad days, with 41 per cent of people saying their other half provides the most meaningful support. However, men find their partner slightly more supportive than women do with 45 per cent of men, versus 39 per cent of women, stating they are their ultimate cheer-giver. Next in the list came "a best friend," with 10 per cent of men and 16 per cent of women stating that they are their first choice of support. Pets are fifth in the list of "people" we turn to with six per cent of people saying they are their number one confidante. By contrast, fathers are low down on the list with just one per cent of respondents saying they would seek out paternal reassurance when feeling down. This compares to seven per cent of people who turn to their mother.