Brits have revealed the top things that put a smile on their face, including funny animal videos, overhearing a stranger’s quirky conversation – and being made a cuppa just the way they like it. Research of 2,000 adults found that almost half (46 percent) agreed it’s the little things that fill them with positivity, rather than more lavish and elaborate experiences.
Being smiled at by a stranger (46 percent), comical place names (29 percent), and dancing around the house (23 percent), are among the top things that make the nation smile.
Also on the list of smile spreaders were feeling the sun on your face (55 percent), the start of spring (44 percent), and watching funny animal videos (39 percent).
The study, 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 percent agree that receiving a free hot drink would boost their mood.
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 percent will dedicate more time to helping others when in a good mood – and nearly a third (31 percent) even claim to make better decisions when they’re in an optimistic mindset.
It also emerged that springtime really does put a spring in people’s step, as adults feel more energised (63 percent) and optimistic (57 percent) during this time of year, compared to the winter months.
More than half (51 percent) also said they’re more productive when feeling upbeat, while 26 percent 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 percent of those ages 55 to 64 will go for a walk to pick themselves up, and 43 per cent will spend time with family and friends.
Meanwhile, almost half of Gen Zs (45 percent) 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.”
