Top 30 Simple Pleasures that Boost Happiness, According to Research

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Oct 21, 11:00 am

Photo: (Photo : Helena Lopes on Unsplash)

In our fast-paced lives, it's the little things that often bring us unexpected happiness. A recent survey has shed light on those moments, revealing the small but delightful instances that make our days a bit brighter.

The joy of discovering forgotten money in a jeans pocket tops the list. Who doesn't love that surprise? Similarly, the unscheduled delights of receiving a refund or an appreciative note from a stranger emphasize the little things that can make a huge difference.

For 36% of the respondents, the sheer pleasure derived from being let ahead in a grocery line was unmatched. Similarly, 35% found immense joy in small moments, like when a beloved song plays on the radio or a familiar childhood scent wafts by.

Conducted in a bustling Cardiff shopping area, British TV personality Josie Gibson, on behalf of Alpen Delight, dove deep into people's hearts to find out what truly makes them tick. The consensus? It's often the surprises that count.

Surprisingly, these delightful moments aren't rare. Respondents experienced such joy on average twice a week, with 78% confirming it instantly boosted their spirits.

Yet, it's not just about receiving; it's also about giving. A whopping 77% emphasized the happiness they feel when they brighten someone else's day, be it through a kind gesture, a homemade meal, or a simple driving courtesy.

Moreover, these instances of joy do more than just bring a smile; they inspire and rekindle hope. A significant 84% mentioned that such moments revitalize their faith in humanity.

But there's more! The study further revealed that 14% indulge in self-care, especially on Saturdays, marking it higher than any other day for personal treats.

The spokesperson from Alpen Delight remarked, "Seeing people derive as much happiness from giving as from receiving is genuinely heartwarming."

Here are the top 30 moments that encapsulate unexpected joy:

Discovering money in forgotten clothing
A surprise refund
Compliments from strangers
Queue-jumping courtesy at the supermarket
An unexpected favorite song on the radio
An out-of-the-blue work bonus
Sailing through green lights
Hearing your baby's first word
Unscheduled affection from a partner
Being truly understood in conversation
I stumble upon a familiar childhood scent
A surprise praise from a loved one
Finding a long-lost, cherished item
Waking up before the alarm, granting extra sleep
An unexpected upgrade, like on flights or at hotels
Mistaken Thursday for Friday
A child initiates conversation
A nostalgic postcard in the mail
Hitting the exact number when filling gas
Arriving home to an already cooked dinner
A last-minute work meeting cancellation
Spotting a car with a quirky license plate
Being unexpectedly carded
Breakfast in bed, courtesy of a loved one
Saying something simultaneously with a friend-and it happening again
A teenager expresses the desire for quality time
Receiving baked goods from a neighbor
Running into a former teacher who remembers you
Locking eyes with a favorite musician during their live performance
Witnessing a public marriage proposal

In conclusion, life's grand joys often hide in the minutiae. By recognizing and celebrating these tiny victories, we not only enrich our daily experiences but also contribute to a world bubbling with happiness.