Nearly half of Brits say little things are most likely to make them smile

04 March 2024 , 16:23

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A hug from a family member (51%), and the feeling of sunshine on their face (55%), are the little, everyday things that Brits say are most likely to raise a smile, research has found.

Other small things most likely to bring joy include hearing their favourite song on the radio (46%), and getting a text from a friend or loved one (47%).

And for 44%, the start of spring brings a significant mood boost, as the longer, warmer days make people feel more optimistic (57%) and energised (63%).

In fact, the survey of 2,000 adults found that 46% are likely to feel more positive as a result of little things, instead of more elaborate or lavish experiences.

Four in 10 said enjoying their favourite snack, or seeing new flowers bloom, are likely to bring a smile to their faces. And exactly a third said that overhearing a snippet of a funny conversation from a passer-by will have this effect.

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The research was commissioned by belVita as part of its Smile Café activity – hosted by TV chef and rapper Big Zuu, that forms part of the “Give a Smile” initiative to help fight food poverty – also found 69% agree that receiving a free hot drink would boost their mood.

Big Zuu has been finding out what makes people smile - and handing out free cups of coffee (PinPep)

The campaign encourages people to “donate” a smile to its charity partner, FareShare – where, for every smile, the biscuit brand will give a meal to those in need, with the aim of providing up to 125,000 meals in total.

Nancy Moore, for belVita, said: “The Smile Café showed just how much of a difference a smile and a positive outlook can make, as it helped work towards the ultimate goal of helping those in need.

“Last year we donated 100,000 meals to FareShare, and are happy to be continuing our partnership, helping us in our mission to fight food poverty and spread positivity.”

The research also revealed the impact of positivity, as 27% will dedicate more time to helping others when in a good mood – and nearly a third (31%) even claim to make better decisions when they’re in an optimistic mindset.

More than half (51%) also said they’re more productive when feeling upbeat, while 26% try to spread the good vibes, and encourage those around them to be more positive when in a good mood themselves.

The research, conducted via OnePoll.com, also revealed generational differences, as 57% of those ages 55 to 64 will go for a walk to pick themselves up, and 43% will spend time with family and friends. Meanwhile, almost half of Gen Zs (45%) will indulge in some self-care to lift their mood.

Big Zuu said: “I’m buzzing to be out with belVita for the Smile Café, getting people smiling, laughing, and spreading positivity. And knowing those smiles were turned to donations, was a real feel-good factor.”

Polly Bianchi, director of fundraising at FareShare, added: “The donation of so many meals to our network of 8,500 charities nationwide will make a huge difference to enabling groups to provide vital wraparound services.

“The power of positivity shines through the work of these amazing charities and community groups, where friendly smiles and acts of kindness, alongside the provision of nourishing food, go a long way to supporting individuals and communities in need.”