Getting good night’s sleep is best way to trigger happiness, study claims

Receiving compliments and good weather on weekends also feature on list

Astrid Hall
Thursday 11 July 2019 12:41 BST
Comments
One-fifth of people hit 'peak happiness' on Friday evening, according to a study of 2,000 adults
One-fifth of people hit 'peak happiness' on Friday evening, according to a study of 2,000 adults

Finding a parking space in a packed car park, leaping onto a train a split second before the doors close and leaving work early have all featured on a list of the top 50 feel good triggers.

However, researchers who carried out a study of 2,000 adults found that nothing could beat a good night’s sleep for producing happiness.

Receiving a compliment, good weather at the weekend and finding money you had forgotten about in your pocket also appeared high on the list.

Samantha Clarke, spokesperson for BPme, which commissioned the survey, said: “BP’s Feel Good Index shows that it is the little things that go a long way to boosting our wellbeing and mindset.

“In a world where we are becoming increasingly isolated with technology, the Feel Good Index shows that small moments and human interaction help to boost our happiness and can make everyday a little better.”

She added: “Happiness isn’t derived from ‘things’ and money, but through those light touches of connection such as giving or receiving compliments, smiling or holding the door open for someone.”

Some of life's simple pleasures featured on the list, such as indulging in a chocolate bar, the sound of birds chirping, and turning up the volume to a song which takes you back.

The “Feel Good Index” also included having a cup of tea made for you and showing off a new outfit.

The research, conducted by OnePoll, found nearly a third said Friday was the best day of the working week.

As a result, one-fifth of adults hit “peak happiness” on Friday, with nearly half (46 per cent) experiencing that “Friday feeling”, and regardless of what day of the week it was, the research found British people’s mood was at its peak between 6pm and 9pm every day.

It also emerged during a typical weekday adults across the country hit a “dip” in mood at 6am, when the morning alarm chimes to signal the start of another day.

These early starts also affected happiness for many people, as half of British adults admitted they were often too tired to be in their best mood.

More than one-third put their happiness slump down to having “too much on their mind”.

A further 23 per cent said hunger got them down, while 27 per cent said being strapped for cash could cause them to feel low.

It also emerged adults wanted to spread happiness, with a third saying they would make someone else a cup of tea or surprise them with a hug or compliment them in a bid to pick up their mood.

SWNS

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in