Even as January passes, the winter months can still feel long – but there’s good news: simple habits and everyday pleasures can lift spirits and spark more laughter.
New research commissioned by Biotiful Gut Health shows that while 65% of Brits feel the cold weather affects their mood and 55% notice the impact of shorter, greyer days, there’s plenty we can do to feel brighter. Half of the nation say winter feels endless, yet two-thirds (66%) wish they laughed more – and small tweaks could help make that happen.
One often-overlooked factor in our mood is gut health. While four in ten (39%) adults already believe food influences emotions, over half (57%) didn’t realise that around 90% of the body’s serotonin – the so-called “happy hormone” – is produced in the gut. Supporting gut health may therefore be a simple way to boost overall wellbeing, mood, and even energy levels.
The study also highlighted that the happiest moments often come from everyday experiences. Brits report joy from holidays (57%), dinners with family (49%), sunny mornings and cosy nights on the sofa with a partner (47%). Smaller pleasures like slipping into fresh sheets (41%) or weekend lie-ins (38%) were equally valued, alongside milestone moments like watching a child perform in a school play (20%) or celebrating a favourite football team’s win (29%).
Farzanah Nassar, Nutritionist for Biotiful, explains: “Most of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, where it helps support digestion and overall gut function. By nurturing gut health, you’re supporting not just digestion, but mood, sleep, and general wellbeing.”
For those unsure where to start, small, realistic swaps can make a big difference. Biotiful Gut Health Kefir, a fermented dairy product rich in live cultures, offers an affordable, easy way to support gut health daily. Whether added to breakfast, a smoothie, or swapped in for yogurt, it can help maintain a healthy gut balance and, in turn, support a brighter mood.
Comedian Olga Koch adds: “We joke about ‘gut feelings’, but there’s real science behind it. When your digestive system is happy, your mood often follows – and that’s something we can all harness this winter.”
By focusing on simple, consistent habits – like nourishing your gut, enjoying small everyday pleasures, and connecting with loved ones – Brits can help their mood feel lighter, more energised, and ready to embrace life’s joyful moments, even in the heart of winter.
The happiest moments in life, according to Brits:
- Going on holiday – 57%
- Going out for dinner with family – 49%
- Waking up to sunny skies – 47%
- Snuggling on the sofa with your partner – 47%
- Slipping into clean sheets after a bath – 41%
- Having a weekend lie-in – 38%
- Sitting down to a Sunday roast – 36%
- Finishing your to-do list – 35%
- Seeing a child reach a milestone – 29%
- Favourite football team winning – 29%
- Getting a new haircut – 27%
- Walking your dog – 24%
- Receiving a thank-you from your boss – 22%
- Successfully making a new recipe – 21%
- Watching a child in a school play – 20%
