Hugs, sunshine, clean sheets... 40 little things to make us feel super
A WARM hug, seeing the sun shine and old people holding hands are among the top 40 little things guaranteed to make our day, a study has revealed.
The smell of a cake baking, bumping into a friend and remembering there are freshly washed sheets on the bed are other moments that give us a lift.
A baby's smile is enough to put a grin on one in four Britons' faces while listening to uplifting music brings cheer to three in 10.
One in five of us turn to chocolate to lift our mood, but a third believe true joy comes from doing a good deed for others.
The study was carried out by OnePoll.com for Superdrug and Procter & Gamble, whose #Feel-Super campaign raises money for the Marie Curie cancer charity.
The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge alongside radio host and former JLS star DF Marvin Humes are launching the campaign's first charity song, The #FeelSuper Song, which celebrates the little everyday things that make a difference.
Hannah Drew, for P&G, said: "By giving people a special 'feel super moment' through this song, we are hoping to inspire even more involvement and drive further donations to raise as much as possible for the vital services Marie Curie provides."
The study found that more than a third of those who have had someone close to them suffer a terminal illness found happiness in playing their favourite music playlist.
Half of these respondents said a great song makes them "feel super" because it reminds them of a happy memory.
Annie Wade, a Marie Curie nurse who features on The #Feel-Super Song, said: "The song makes us all recognise how important it is to celebrate the little moments in life. It is something I know first-hand as a Marie Curie nurse.
"We provide palliative care as well as much-needed physical and emotional support to families across the country 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"But so often it really is the small things that make the biggest difference.
"Making a cup of tea for a family member in the middle of night, playing a patient one of their favourite songs or just sitting with them so that they know someone is there with them.
"These are just a few of the things I do to try to give much-needed comfort and support to patients and their loved ones."
Mr Humes added: "It is all about the people that make a difference - the Marie Curie nurses, volunteers and staff.
"The song embodies what we are trying to do here - celebrate the people that are on the ground, making a difference every day, and inspire the rest of us to do our bit to support them."
LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURES
1 A hug
2 Sun shining
3 Freshly laundered sheets
4 Hearing someone say they love you
5 Reading a good book
6 Getting a compliment
7 Listening to uplifting music
8 Solving a problem
9 Being under a blanket when it's cold and wet outside
10 Seeing a close friend after a long while
11 A smiling baby
12 Your favourite song coming on the radio
13 Having someone supportive to talk to
14 A hot shower
15 A cup of tea
16 Watching your favourite TV show/film with someone
17 A proper cup of coffee
18 Starting a new series of your favourite TV show
19 Eating a big bar of chocolate
20 A haircut
21 Dining at your favourite restaurant
22 Smell of cake being baked
23 A home-cooked meal after being away
24 Seeing others having fun
25 Bumping into a friend
26 Freshly washed hair
27 Old people holding hands
28 A social event you secretly didn't want to attend being cancelled
29 Going to an exercise class/doing exercise
30 Retail therapy
31 Tucking into a lush slice of sponge cake
32 Listening to a favourite dance tune
33 Someone helping with the cleaning
34 Wearing your favourite outfit
35 Being offered a biscuit or favourite treat
36 Being told you don't have to cook tonight
37 Your favourite artist releasing new music
38 Hearing a new joke
39 A gin and tonic
40 Catching green lights all the way to work