A new nationwide study by Lindt, to mark the beginning of Spring, has revealed the list of everyday things that bring us joy and lift our spirits, with a good night’s sleep, a walk on a sunny morning, and a hug, appearing top of the list.
As were spending time with friends and family, a lovely view, sleeping in freshly washed sheets and stroking a pet.
Food features heavily, with eating chocolate, cooking your favourite meal, eating cake, a Sunday roast with friends and freshly brewed coffee all making an appearance.
Unexpected delights such as finding money in a jacket pocket, a smile from a stranger, bagging a bargain in the supermarket and finding something you’ve previously lost also bring a smile to our faces.
As winter gives way to spring, longer and lighter evenings, spring flowers seeing cherry blossoms for the first time and picnics in the park all turn our frowns upside down.
The survey was conducted to mark the launch of the 'Share the Hoppiness’ campaign, which includes the chance to win one of ten £5,000 prizes when you find a winning golden token inside the Lindt GOLD BUNNY (Milk 100g).
Expert and spokesperson for the Lindt Hoppiness Campaign, Dr Zoe Williams, said: "Simple pleasures really do lift our spirits. They are the icing on the cake of our lives – and proportionately contribute far more to our wellbeing than many more expensive treats do. It is heartening to see from this Lindt survey that many of the old staples remain our favourites such as a walk in the park, spring flowers and of course chocolate, and Easter time is the perfect moment to enjoy such delights.
“Like everything else, they have changed over time. It is fascinating to see that the young now list funny social media videos and memes as great mood enhancers. All that is important is that they make us happy.”
THE 50 THINGS THAT MAKE BRITS HAPPY
A good night’s sleep 51%
A walk on a sunny morning 48%
A hug 47%
Sunny and bright mornings 46%
Spending time with friends and family 46%
The beach on a sunny day 44%
A lovely view 43%
Longer and lighter evenings 42%
Sleeping in freshly washed sheets 42%
Stroking a pet 39%
A clear blue sky 39%
Speaking to family 39%
Finding money in a jacket pocket 38%
Watching the sunset 38%
Thinking about happy memories 38%
Hearing your favourite song 37%
Eating chocolate 37%
Hearing someone say ‘I love you’ 37%
A wonderful sunset 37%
Receiving a compliment 36%
Sharing a meal with a friend 35%
Looking at pictures of your family 35%
Spring flowers 34%
Helping a family member 34%
Cooking your favourite meal 33%
Funny videos 33%
A cute puppy 33%
Helping a friend 33%
First flowers appearing 32%
A smile from a stranger 32%
Being told you look great 31%
Bagging a bargain in the supermarket 31%
Finding something that you’ve previously lost 30%
Eating cake 30%
Getting a message from a friend 29%
A Sunday roast with friends 29%
The sound of a baby laughing 28%
Freshly brewed coffee 27%
A glass of wine 27%
A lie in on a Saturday 25%
A good page turning book 25%
Pottering in the garden 25%
Waking up and realising it’s the weekend 24%
Seeing cherry blossoms for the first time 24%
Sharing chocolate with family 23%
Tidying up the house 23%
Seeing an old couple holding hands 22%
Being told thank you at work 21%
Picnic in the park 21%
Finishing a book 20%
