The simple things that make us happy

A poll of 3,000 adults reveals that happiness can be found in the simplest day-to-day occurrences.

LONDON:

Finding money in an old pair of jeans, having a picnic in the sun, getting flowers or chocolates from a loved one or a thank you card in the mail are some of the things that make people feel happy, a recent study has revealed.

A person being told that he or she has lost weight, climbing into bed with freshly washed sheets and seeing an old couple hold hands also help brighten a person’s day, says the study of 3,000 people conducted by Three Barrels Brandy.

Sunshine was found to be one of the major factors for happiness. Waking up to a sunny day, sitting in the sun, having a picnic in the sun, and driving with the car windows down on a sunny day all appear in the top 20,UK newspaper The Daily Express reported.

“We can be having a terrible day at work when a quick thank you from the boss can pick us up and make us feel great. Similarly, we could be stuck in traffic when our favourite song comes on the radio and makes us forget about the nightmare daily commute. Small gestures from friends and family can also work wonders when you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps,” a research spokesman said.

The research also revealed that most people feel at their happiest at around 6 pm on Saturdays.

What brings joy to Pakistani celebs?

Actor Adnan Siddiqui: More recently what makes me happy is Imran Khan’s speech in Lahore.

Fashion designer Maheen Khan: Spending time with my grandchildren, fashion events and last, but not the least, I love travelling with my husband but then who does not love a holiday?

Theatre director Nida Butt: A day at the beach. The arrival of falsas, rainbows and puppies.

TV personality Aaminah Haq: Being in the company of cats and dogs; they remind me of what unconditional blind love is.

Model Fayeza Ansari: Helping someone who feels he/she is all alone.

(With additional reporting from NEWS DESK)

49 things that make people happy:

1.   Finding money in an old pair of jeans

2.   Going on holiday

3.   Getting into a bed with freshly washed sheets

4.   Swimming in the sea

5.   Waking up on a sunny day

6.   Sitting in the sun

7.   Being surprised with flowers or chocolates

8.   Getting a nice message from a loved one

9.   Cuddling

10. Getting a thank you card in the post

11. Seeing old people holding hands

12. Driving a car with the window down in nice weather

13. Booking a holiday

14. Listening to your favourite song

15. Finding a bargain

16. Seeing an old friend

17. A picnic in the park

18. Getting promoted

19. A romantic night out

20. Hearing a song that reminds you of the past

21. Looking at old photos

22. Making a new friend

23. Having a quiet moment to yourself

24. Walks in the country

25. Hearing a baby laugh

26. Having a girls/guys night out

27. Waking up on a Saturday morning and realising it’s the weekend

28. Chocolate

29. Eating cake

30.  Fitting into a pair of jeans you thought were too small

31. Praise from your boss

32. Smell of freshly baked bread or cookies

33. A warm bubble bath

34. Someone saying you have lost weight

35. Finding out someone likes you

36. Sunday dinners

37. Smell of freshly cut grass

38. Arriving at the airport for a vacation

39. A good hair day

40. Bank holidays

41. Passing a driving test

42. Swanky hotel rooms

43. Your children doing well at school

44. Offering elderly people your seat on the bus or train

45. Someone giving you their car parking ticket

46. Waking up to find out it has snowed overnight

47. Drinking a cold drink after work

48. Eating comfort food

49. Being with the one you love.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2011.