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 (51%), a walk on a sunny morning (48%) and a hug (47%) appearing top of the list.
As were spending time with friends and family (46%), a lovely view (43%), sleeping in freshly washed sheets (42%) and stroking a pet (39%).
Food features heavily, with eating chocolate (37%), cooking your favourite meal (33%), eating cake (30%), a Sunday roast with friends (29%) and freshly brewed coffee (27%) all making an appearance.
Unexpected delights such as finding money in a jacket pocket (38%), a smile from a stranger (32%), bagging a bargain in the supermarket (31%) and finding something you’ve previously lost (30%) also bring a smile to our faces.
As winter gives way to spring, longer and lighter evenings (42%), spring flowers (34%), seeing cherry blossoms for the first time (24%) and picnics in the park (21%) 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 iconic Lindt GOLD BUNNY (Milk 100g) – a truly special ‘unexpected delight’!
The findings also reveal generational differences when it comes to where we find joy – while older generations look forward to a walk in the park (57%) or a bright and sunny morning (59%) to lift their spirits, Gen Z are increasingly turning to social media to raise their mood.
Over a third (35%) of 18- to 29-year-olds love funny Tik Toks and Reels (compared to just eight per cent of over 45s), while one in three (27%) find joy in hilarious memes (compared to just 11% of over 45s).
In fact, only chocolate remains a common cross-generational boost with one in three (37%) of the nation agreeing that eating it is one of life’s simple pleasures and a quarter (25%) saying that even just the taste of chocolate is enough to make them smile.
Renowned 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.”
According to the study, Brits smile an average of 17 times a day, with four in ten (39%) claiming this is less than last year.
On average, the nation feels down for nine days a month with money worries (57%), being trapped in the same routine (41%), getting old (38%) and the weather (34%) as the main reasons.
It is no surprise then that a further four in ten (40%) admit they were happier last year.
Despite this, one in four (26%) consider themselves to be cheerful.
As a nation we feel happy 16 times a day with having good friends (55%), spending time with family and friends (49%), eating good food (45%) and our children being happy (45%) all requirements for a warm and cosy feeling.
Four in 10 (45%) put this happiness down to going on holiday, while 42% say it is down to being in love. One in three (36%) believe having a passion is key, with a further third (35%) feeling at their happiest with their pet around.
Saturday at 11.16am is when we feel at our happiest, with summer (56%) and spring (32%) our favourite seasons.
Half (50%) state just a smile can lift their mood, while 43% believe that smiling and happiness (37%) are infectious.
One in two (49%) wish there was more happiness in the world, with 45% placing their family’s happiness as the most important thing in the world to them.
Four in ten (40%) agree that there are many health benefits to smiling regularly, with 35% admitting happy people are more attractive.
The data also revealed the most useful tips for living a happy life, with treating others the way you want to be treated (54%), not worrying what other people think (52%), knowing when to say no (48%) and trusting your instincts (48%) all on the list.
Almost half (47%) believe you should choose your friends wisely and live in the present (47%), while four in 10 (43%) agree you should not hold back from being true to yourself.
As one of the few moments in the year when we take time to meet with loved ones and friends to share happiness and create special memories, Lindt wants to make Easter and these joyful moments even more memorable with its ‘Hoppiness’ campaign and much-loved GOLD BUNNY.
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%
