The pursuit of happiness: Hugs and smell of fresh bread make Britons happy
NOTHING makes Britons happier than a hug or the smell of fresh bread.
Hugging someone and a sniff of freshly baked bread can turn a bad day for the better
The secrets to happiness in modern Britain are surprisingly simple and free, according to a new poll.
Researchers found that the sound of the sea is the most soothing for Brits.
And simply going for a walk is one of the greatest stress relievers.
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The smell of freshly cut grass and of a home-made roast dinner were also rated as the most satisfying.
The humble hug can be the most powerful stimulant in our lives
Others said a kiss was guaranteed to boost mood, while the sound of laughter was a top people pleaser.
Kitchen experts Magnet polled 2,000 British adults to discover what makes them happiest, what irritates them the most, which are life’s best stress-relievers and what sights, sounds, tastes, smells and touches are the most powerful.
The survey showed that the humble hug is possibly the most powerful mood changer, with 44 per cent saying that a hug makes them feel happy like nothing else.
Many Britons find that listening to childhood music is their emotional getaway
Looking at old family photos puts a smile on the face of one in three Britons, while listening to childhood songs makes one in four smile.
Almost half of Brits turn to music when they’re feeling irritated.
Exercise is the top stress-buster, closely followed by stroking a pet.
Only five per said they turn to food in times of boredom and stress, while one in five said reading a good book was their best cure for both negative feelings.
Striking a pet works as a surefire way to relieve your stress
The research discovered that nothing makes Brits cry like watching a sad film, with almost half saying it was their biggest tear-jerker.
Looking back at old pictures makes 14 per cent have a good sob.
Car alarms top the list of most irritating sounds, though crying babies tend to get the nation’s back up too.
Neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis, said: “Indulging in a bit of reminiscence can be really energising.
Car alarms going off really grinds the gears of most people
“Aromas have an uncanny knack of triggering recall of events from before the age of ten thanks to a quirk in the wiring of the senses.
“Sights and sounds on the other hand tend to evoke recollections from late adolescence and early adulthood; most often emotional events or moments that helped to define who we are.”
A Magnet spokesperson added: “We set out to identify the sensory stimulators that were most likely to make us laugh, cry, illicit memories and even alleviate our stress.
“We were surprised to find out that despite the beautiful natural world around us, or the advanced technology in our homes, the humble hug can be the most powerful stimulant in our lives.
Indulging in a bit of aromatic reminiscence can be invigorating
“This simple gesture has the power to transform the way we feel in an instant.
“We’ve discovered that our homes are full of sights, sounds and smells that have a dramatic effect on the way we feel.”
“From the smell of freshly baked bread to the sound of rain pouring on our roof, to the soothing rhythm of chopping vegetables, every day is filled stimulants that provoke emotional responses.”