The 30 issues that carry us pleasure – from sleep to household time and a great meal
A study of 2,000 adults has discovered that a whopping 88% treasure the simple delights life throws their way – which includes roaring with laughter, chowing down on a fab meal, and melting into a steaming bubble bath.
And it’s not just these blissful moments getting people buzzing; belting out your favourite banger, rambling through the countryside, and the buzz of booking your next getaway are also up there.
Looking to the future, over half (57%) relish in daydreaming about trotting across the globe, just under half (49%) are eager to clock more hours with their cherished ones, while 28% fancy picking up a brand-new hobby.
Paul Pomroy, of Warner Hotels, who commissioned the study, said: “There are so many things in life that give us simple moments of joy, from listening to your favourite music to feeling the sun on your face.”
“For many people, taking time away from their day-to-day lives to unwind and connect with loved ones can be a great way to boost endorphins too.”
According to the research, lucky folks clock up four joyful moments a day, with 37% devoting time to get their happy fix.
Nearly eight in ten (79%) reckon a good dose of happiness is as catching as a cold, and a third (35%) will go the extra mile to dish out the good vibes.
When it’s time to perk themselves up, the average Joe will splash out on a treat around four times a week. And 26% admit they’re splashing out more in 2024 compared to 2023, driven by a growing urge to seize the day (40%).
(Image: SWNS)
Turns out, 44% are learning to love the little things in life, with four in ten keen to splash the cash on what brings them joy.
To escape the daily grind, the OnePoll.com survey revealed that 43% are booking cheeky little getaways more often.
While nearly half say planning a vacation is pure bliss, 43% confess the buzz wears off just three days after getting back to reality. To keep the holiday high alive, 41% flick through their vacation snaps and 32% love a good reminisce.
Yet, 32% are already plotting their next escape, with 27% waiting no more than three months to do so.
Paul Pomroy, from Warner Hotels, which is dishing out a free night’s stay to help folks savour those precious moments, said: “Now more than ever before, people are prioritising finding joy in the little things in life – and a short break is a great way to experience all the things that bring you happiness.”
“Our research shows that while people are happy to treat themselves and spend money on things that make them happy, they also want to feel they are getting real value from those experiences.”
A spokesperson explained: “We are passionate about helping to create those special moments – whether it’s sharing a meal with a loved one, releasing stress at axe throwing, or dancing to your favourite music at a live show.”
They added: “Essentially, it’s about giving people the opportunity to experience the things that bring them happiness and the survey findings are a great indication of what people are looking for.”
Here are the top 30 things that bring us joy:
- A good night’s sleep.
- Quality time with family and friends.
- Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets.
- A great meal.
- A hug from a loved one.
- Walks in the country.
- Feeling the sun on your face.
- Booking a holiday.
- Chocolate.
- Giving someone special a present.
- Your favourite song.
- Taking a bite of a delicious slice of cake.
- Getting a quiet moment to yourself.
- Laughing till your cheeks hurt.
- Seeing the sun rise.
- Finishing a great book.
- Your favourite dish being on the menu.
- Not having to cook.
- A hot cup of coffee in the morning.
- Going to watch a live show.
- Sinking into the bath.
- Having a relaxing massage.
- ‘Date night’ with your partner.
- The last day of work before annual leave.
- Landing a funny joke or quip.
- Getting dressed up for a nice meal.
- Winning a game.
- A glass of wine after a busy day.
- Floating in a swimming pool.
- Dancing to your favourite song like no one’s watching.
