Nearly three-quarters of Brits agree it's the little things in life that bring them the most joy – including a smile, a laugh, a compliment, or a piece of chocolate.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 30 things where just a little bit goes a long way – from a shot of espresso coffee, to meetings with the in-laws.
A brisk walk outdoors, a good joke, and a free drink also appeared among the top 10 little pleasures.
And nearly half (48%) claim it's the small things that remind them of what's really important in life.
The research was commissioned by Gala Bingo to launch its Hot Air Balloon Tea Rooms, inspired by the iconic bingo call, “number 3 – cup of tea”.
On October 14 and 15, people will have the opportunity to have tea with one of ITV ’s The Chasers at London’s Potters Fields Park.
Sara Jolly, from the brand, said: “Life is about finding the small and simple pleasures. This can apply to slices of cake, power naps during the day, and lots of other little things, where you only need a little bit to get the most out of it.”
The study also revealed the little things people do to bring them joy – including hanging out with friends, playing games, and indulging in a delicious meal.
Having a catch-up with someone on the phone, changing the bedsheets, and having a sweet treat, also featured among the small actions that can brighten a day.
And 28% believe it’s a little change in the routine that brings the most impact, no matter how big or small.
More than a third (35%) also believe a little bit of joy helps them stay mindful, and provides a boost to their mental health.
Brits would also rather be on the receiving end of a small, thoughtful gesture (36%) than something big and grand, which may have had less thought behind it (17%).
But 23% wished they had “much more” joy in their lives compared to what they currently get, while 27% struggle to “live in the moment”.
For a quarter, being too busy keeps them from spending time on joy, while 37% are just too tired, according to the OnePoll figures.
And nearly half (48%) sometimes struggle to notice the little things in life – but claim that during a typical week they’ll feel joy eight times, or just over once a day.
It also emerged Monday and Tuesday were voted the days least likely to spark joy, with “that Friday feeling” coming out as the overwhelming winner.
Sara Jolly added: “You’d have to go a long way to find someone who gets their joy on a Monday morning.
“But on a Friday, most of us have got the whole weekend stretched out ahead of us, with work responsibilities in the rear-view mirror.
“What this suggests is Brits could make their weeks more joyful if they took the time on these darker days, Monday and Tuesday, and had a biscuit, complimented someone, or did some exercise.”
TOP 30 THINGS WHERE A LITTLE BIT GOES A LONG WAY:
- A smile
- Laughter
- A compliment
- A free drink
- Respect
- A brisk walk outdoors
- Flowers
- A piece of chocolate
- Confidence
- A joke
- A birthday card
- A power nap
- A candle
- A biscuit
- A dream
- Lip balm on chapped lips
- A high five
- Butter
- A jingle/catchy tune/earworm
- Washing-up liquid
- Soap
- Salt
- A shot of espresso coffee
- Salad dressing
- Chili
- An extra kilogram on the weight you can lift
- A dollop of peanut butter on your toast
- Squash
- Hair gel
- Ginger spice
