Cute puppies, blue skies and beautiful landscapes are among the top things that make Britons happy, a new study has found.
Commissioned by artist Doug Hyde, 2,000 people were asked about what in life brings them joy. And, unsurprisingly, sunny days came out on top, followed by scenic views, seeing puppies, cleaning the house, going out for a meal and receiving a compliment.
"With so much going on in the world which is anything but good at the moment, it's important to try and get a mood boost from the people and things which are close to you," Doug told The Mirror.
"Whether it's seeing something cute or heart-warming, spending time with your loved ones or a stroke of good luck, it doesn't need to be something big or extravagant to make you feel good.
"Sometimes, something which is simply nice to look at is all that's needed to put a smile on your face. Looking at pictures can bring back a host of great memories and that little bit of nostalgia can make you feel really happy," he says.
Elsewhere in the study, research also found that 85% of those in the poll think there are many health benefits to smiling regularly and feeling happy, while 82% said love, friendship and family are most likely to make them feel good.
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More than a third of people in the study explained that looking at a picture of a loved one cheers them up, while half of adults said they couldn't live in a home without photos of their family.
40 things that makes Brits happy
- A blue sky on a sunny day
- Seeing beautiful landscape
- Cute puppies or kittens
- Sitting in a clean home after you have cleaned it
- Going out for a nice meal
- A compliment
- Someone smiling at you
- Booking a holiday
- Cuddling a loved one
- Memories
- Finding money in a coat you haven't worn in a while
- A random act of kindness either by you, or watching someone else
- Seeing a friend you haven't seen in a while
- A good song coming on the radio
- Comfort food
- Watching the sunset
Verity E. Milligan//Getty Images Sunsets also made the list - Finally buying something you've been saving up for
- Having a nice interaction with a stranger
- Having a lie in
- Your child saying 'I love you'
- Looking at old pictures
- Having pictures up of loved ones in your home
- When your children do something that makes you proud
- Losing something and having it returned to you
- Free food
- Seeing live music
- Seeing old people holding hands
Yagi Studio//Getty Images - A full English breakfast
- Watching a film from your childhood
- Your partner doing something you find cute
- Waking up and realising it's Saturday
- Looking at art or paintings in your home
- Getting through all green lights
- A massage
- Having a bubble bath after a long day
- Having a child draw a picture of you
- A flirty glance with a stranger
- Meeting someone new
- When there is cake in the office
- When someone brings a baby into work
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#CottageWeek: 7 beautiful cottages to rent in the UK
#CottageWeek 2021: Figtree House, Cumbria
This is Figtree House and it's nestled between open fields and rolling, green countryside. It's owned by an interior designer who has peppered bold pops of colour throughout the inside. You can get married in the barn nextdoor, too. Figtree House is available through Unique Homestays.
#CottageWeek 2021: Straw Cottage, North Devon
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#CottageWeek 2021: Magpie Cottage, North Wales
This is Magpie Cottage in North Wales. Aren't the clean and crisp geometric beams satisfying? Nestled in the border village of Hanmer, the 17th century thatched cottage overlooks a peaceful mere. It's beautiful views are perfect for sunrise or sunset coffees or cocktails. The interiors are cosy and welcoming, with exposed wood and brick standing out against plush and comforting softness. Magpie Cottage is available through Holiday Cottages.
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Here we have a cottage named after the climbing blooms, lush greenery and nurtured roses that surround it. This is Flora & Fauna cottage in Suffolk. Set on 448 acres of land, you could easily get lost in the sprawling private gardens. And it's not just the grounds that are large – the cottage itself is a bit of a Tardis and actually sleeps up to nine people, across five bedrooms. It's full of antique furniture with Chinese and Tibetan influences and a traditional Aga, perfect for family meals. Flora & Fauna is available through Plum Guide.
#CottageWeek 2021: Cosy Cot, Wiltshire
This is the aptly named Cosy Cot, in Wiltshire. Follow the winding brick path up to the characterful thatched porch. Inside, the original inglenook fireplace is a highlight, along with the shaker-style kitchen, ornate beds and roll top bath. A short walk takes you to sprawling views of the Wylye Valley and Stapleford village's historic church with Norman origins. Cosy Cot is available through Sykes Holiday Cottages.
#CottageWeek 2020: Mint Cottage, Suffolk
This is Mint Cottage in Lavenham, Suffolk, whose Tudor style stands out proudly next to its pink neighbour. The traditional Tudor feel carries throughout the property, with high ceilings and exposed beams. We love the beautifully grand four poster bed. Mint Cottage is available through Cool Stays.
#CottageWeek 2020: Wishbone Cottage, Malvern Hills
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#CottageWeek 2020: Glan-yr-afon, Wales
Today we are in the foothills of the Cambrian mountains in Wales. Overlooking the Brecon Beacons, Glan-yr-afon cottage is full of traditional charm but, outside, caters for modern relaxation in the form of a wood-fired hot tub. Set within 70 acres of private woodland, the cosy cottage boasts a claw-foot bath and wood burners, creating the perfect ambiance for a good cwtch. Take a stroll up the hill for 360 degree woodland views or pack a picnic and join one of the local walking tracks to discover deep valleys and a waterfall hidden within the Cwm Rhaeadr Forest. Glan-yr-afon is available through Cambrian Escapes.
#CottageWeek 2020: Coburg Terrace, Devon
We're bringing you something a little less traditional today with this castellated cottage in Sidmouth, Devon. Coburg Terrace's interiors are just as white, fresh and clean as its exterior, with pops of colour added through books and characterful accessories. The property overlooks tennis courts, a bowling green and Salcombe Hill and is a short walk away from Sidmouth's boutique shops. Coburg Terrace is available through Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.
#CottageWeek 2020: Millstone Cottage, Cornwall
We're in Cornwall, in awe of the delightful, Grade II listed, Millstone Cottage. Set deep in a wooded valley near the village of Cadgwith, a front stable-door welcomes you into this restful abode. The open plan kitchen and wood-burning stove are highlight features, while the french door at the back open out onto the private garden – the perfect place for breakfast. Millstone Cottage is available through Classic Cottages.
#CottageWeek 2020: Fountain View, Oxfordshire
Situated in the heart of Upper Heyford village, Oxfordshire, Fountain View is a captivating Grade II listed, thatched cottage. The end-terrace home still boasts its original features, such as exposed beams and elm wood flooring, filling it with cosy, comforting charm. Our favourite features include the large, open fire place and modern-rustic kitchen. Visit late-spring to enjoy the wisteria at its best. Fountain View is available through Sykes Cottages.
#CottageWeek 2019: Little Eden, Scottish Highlands
This cottage takes us north, across the border, into Scotland. This is the magical Little Eden cottage, originally a grain mill, on the West Highland Way near the small village of Ross. Within an hour's drive of Glasgow, the cottage sits on a secluded inlet on Loch Lomond, with breathtaking views to prove it. The wildflower garden is flooded with seasonal bluebells under the shadow of Japanese Maples. The interiors are rustic but modern. The cottage is available to hire from Unique Home Stays.
#CottageWeek 2019: The Old Coach House, Cornwall
Only 4 miles from the Eden Project and 6 miles to the Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Old Coach House in Cornwall is surrounded by horticultural wonder, as well as sandy beaches and coves perfect for coastal walks. The large, five-bedroom cottage is modern and comforting inside, with an Aga in the farmhouse-style kitchen, wood-burning stove in the living room and an ultra-cosy snug separate to the main house. Open the door to the garden terrace to see wide-open views of the rolling Cornish hills. The cottage is available to hire from Cottages.com.
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The Grade II listed, 17th century Park Cottage sits in Baslow, Derbyshire, on the edge of Chatsworth Park. The quaint property, with private walled garden, came into the Devonshire Estate in 1823. This was part of an exchange between the 6th Duke of Devonshrie, and the Duke of Rutland, and was at that time occupied by estate labourer. Refurbished in 2011, the cottage interiors are updated but maintain original features, including ceiling beams and furniture. The cottage is available to hire from Chatsworth Cottages and Secret Escapes.
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#CottageWeek 2019: Points Cottage, Wales
This property is a real beauty near Abergavenny, Wales. Points Cottage's claim to fame is that it once featured on Grand Designs, but that's not its only headline. It sits a mile up Hatterell Hill, almost at the top of the Black Mountains, which lends itself to endless stunning views. It's also a stone's throw away from the Brecon Beacons National Park. With 2 bedrooms, Aga, wood-burning stove and original wooden beams, the interiors are as delightful as its location. The cottage is available to hire from Holidaycottages.co.uk.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
