THE coronavirus pandemic has made Brits appreciate "little things" like hugs from a relative or watching the sunset, a study has found.

After a tough 2020, researchers found contact with family or a smile from a stranger is enough to bring joy to an average day.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

For nine in 10 adults, little things like not having to queue at the checkout, getting a call from a loved-one and receiving an unexpected compliment can change their day.

Others said they experienced a burst of happiness when hearing birds sing, waking up at the start of the weekend or paying a bill.

The poll of 2,000 adults also found that 67 per cent think these seemingly minor things are more important than ever after the pandemic sparked worldwide chaos.

Harriette Luscombe, from Sainsbury’s Energy, which commissioned the study, said: “It’s great to see people getting more from the simple things in life.

'TOUGH JOURNEY'

“2020 has been a tough journey for most of us, with a lot of big celebrations and moments cancelled, so we’re all finding joy in appreciating the little things in life instead.”

The study also found that 64 per cent of people find joy in things they rarely found pleasure in before.  

For a third, simply seeing their family means more to them now, than it did pre-pandemic.

It also emerged that the average person will experience five little moments of joy a week – whether it is seeing a rainbow or receiving a card or letter rather than a text.

More than half felt they used to take these little things for granted, but now have a new perspective on what is important, with 68 per cent wanting to protect this newfound appreciation of life’s little joys.

The study, conducted via OnePoll, also found that despite three in four often procrastinating to get little bits of life admin out of the way, these seemingly mundane tasks now give them a sense of fulfilment.

And 28 per cent find joy in ticking something off their to-do list, with 43 per cent the last few months to tackle niggling tasks such as sorting bills, paying credit cards or shopping around for insurance.

Harriette Luscombe for Sainsbury’s Energy added: “We tend to put off life admin for days – months even – but it’s another one of those little things that once it’s done, can feel like such a big win.

"In our index, receiving an unexpected money rebate is among the top five things that people see as a little joy, showing personal finances can have a huge impact on our lives.

"That so many people have used the recent months to prioritise ticking things off their list shows 2020 has been an opportunity to get our finances in order and seek out the best deals.

"Finding an energy provider with fixed prices means you can tick that piece of admin off your to-do list and have one less thing to worry about.”

Source: Read Full Article