Life's top unexpected moments of joy have been revealed
A third of people look for the ‘little unexpected joys’ to brighten their days.
Finding a parking spot without driving around, realising it’s a Thursday when you thought it was Wednesday and finding £10 in a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in ages are among life's top unexpected moments of joy.
A poll of 2,000 adults who work Monday to Friday found 33 per cent actively look for ‘little unexpected joys’ to make a dreary day better, with the average person experiencing at least three a week and 21 per cent most relying on them in the middle of the week to help uplift their day.
Other moments of joy included getting home just before it starts raining, a delivery arriving in the scheduled time and remembering bags for the supermarket.
The research was commissioned by Gala, who launched a ‘Push for Joy’ button on the streets of Manchester this week in a bid to bring a little extra joy to the North West.
A spokesperson from the brand said: “Sometimes it is the little things that can give you the most joy. In a busy week, those unexpected moments can help shift your mindset and add a bit of lightness to your day.
“It can also make the feeling even more rewarding when it comes when you least expect them. It’s a reminder that even on the most routine days, there are still opportunities to find small pockets of happiness.”
The study also found 19 per cent get joy from ticking everything off their to-do list, whereas 17 per cent love finding a TV show with loads of episodes already available or realising it’s a bank holiday Monday the following week (17 per cent).
Reducing unread messages to zero, getting a green light streak on their car journey and calling a lift that’s already waiting on your floor also made the list.
More than a fifth (22 per cent) find their energy levels start high at the beginning of the week and gradually drop off by the end. But for 69 per cent, Monday was found to be their least favourite day of the week, with as many as 51 per cent generally disliking or hating it.
However, 26 per cent of those in the capital said they love Mondays compared to 12 per cent in the North West and six per cent in the South East. But Scotland was found to be the region that hates Mondays the most at 57 per cent compared to Wales where 42 per cent hate Mondays the least.
Work-related stress (27 per cent), feeling tired or lacking energy (22 per cent) and technology not working properly were among the frustrations that have the biggest impact on the way people feel.
Time-related wins have the biggest positive impact on people’s day (26 per cent) – from no queues to finishing work early.
Of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com, 33 per cent said an ‘unexpected win’ often lifts their emotions positively for the rest of the day.
The button will head to Brighton on the 13th July, inviting Brits to press it for the chance to win a variety of joy-related prizes including the chance to win a holiday.
A spokesperson for the brand added: “It’s clear that people don’t need big milestones to feel better, it’s often the quick, everyday wins that make the biggest difference. A small boost at the right moment can shift your mindset entirely and help you move through the day in a more positive way.
“Those flashes of good fortune and ease can be just as powerful as something you’ve been planning or working towards.”
Top 30 unexpected joys adults have experienced:
- A delivery arriving in the scheduled time
- Finding a parking spot without driving around
- Getting home just before it starts raining
- The satisfaction of ticking everything off my to-do list
- Finding a TV show with loads of episodes already available
- When I realise it's bank holiday Monday next week
- Remembering bags for the supermarket
- Reducing unread messages to zero
- My hair actually doing what I want it to with minimal effort
- Finding my phone exactly where I left it (rather than hunting for it)
- Getting a green light streak on my journey
- Realising its Thursday when I thought all day it was Wednesday
- Managing to park perfectly first time (no reversing/shuffling needed)
- Getting through a whole day without needing to recharge my devices
- Finding a £10 note in a pair of jeans I haven't worn in ages
- Everything coming out of the dishwasher sparkling clean
- When a new cashier opens just as I get to the till in a busy supermarket and I’m first in line
- Finding a yellow sticker meal at my favourite supermarket
- Catching the bus/train just before the doors close
- The kettle finishing boiling just as I walk into the kitchen
- Buying an outfit without trying it on and it fitting
- Finding the perfect workout playlist that hits just right
- Calling a lift and it’s already waiting on my floor
- Finding a table at a busy establishment
- Landing a “bin shot” from a distance first try
- Finding a trolley with a coin already in it
- Getting an extra chicken nugget / extra chips in a takeaway
- Going to the cinema and no one sitting in front of me
- Remembering someone’s name just as I’m about to introduce them
- My headphones not being tangled when I take them out my bag