With International Happiness Day on 20th March, GalaBingo.com has taken a look into happiness in the UK and have revealed that the nation’s official ‘happy hour’ is 9pm.
Speaking with loved ones and embracing a hug were on the list
Asking 2,000 Brits, the research revealed one in nine are happiest when the clock strikes 9pm, followed closely by 6pm.
Happy hours do however vary across the UK, with the majority of the nation happiest in the evening, however Birmingham, Southampton, Nottingham and Sheffield admit to peaking in the morning.
Feeling the mid-afternoon slump, the research also found that over one in eight people were most in need of a pick-me-up at 3pm. A lack of sleep is most likely to put people in a foul mood followed by rubbish weather and challenges in relationships.
Thankfully, all can be resolved with the nations ultimate pick me up: a good joke! 40% of Brits agree that this is the best way to put a smile on their face.
Top ten things that always turn that frown upside down are:
1) A good joke
2) Speaking with loved ones
3) Listening to favourite music
4) The sun shining
5) A hug
6) Eating good food
7) A baby laughing
8) Watching your favourite film/TV show
9) Finding a bargain
10) A cup of tea
Although a good joke came out on top overall, when hoping to put a smile on the face of a friend from Belfast, a hug might be the way forward. The people of Glasgow love it when the sun shines and a sure way to cheer up Bristolians is with some good food.
When thinking about who cheers Brits up the most, people say they rely on their partners followed by best friends and then, unsurprisingly, their pets.
Expert Life Coach, Carole Ann Rice, gives her top tips on how people can improve their moods: “When feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, just take a deep breath in and out. Deep breathing sends signals to the brain which allows the body to relax and destress.
“Don’t hold it all in, a friend in need is a friend indeed! Sometimes we all need to rant, talk it out and simply unload. If you want to be happier, it all starts with gratitude. Appreciate the small things, the universe has it’s way of returning good where gratitude is present – count your blessings.”
Commenting on the research, Karina Adrian, Head of Brand Marketing at GalaBingo.com, said: “Happiness is the ultimate goal, and if there’s anything the people of Britain thrive at, it’s putting a smile on our loved one’s faces. It’s great to see that a classic joke is still the best way to spread cheer, who doesn’t love a great punch line.
“We’ve created a map of Great Britain showing the best pick me ups across the nation, and online quiz where you can play to see what is most likely to put a smile on your face.”
To view the regional happiness map, and play GalaBingo.com’s happiness quiz, please visit: https://www.galabingo.com/happy-hub/happiness-map-of-uk
Tagged in happiness