Britons are happiest when drinking tea, survey claims

Those surveyed had also been embracing Scandinavian ways of coping with the winter

A cup of tea really does make things seem better (AFP via Getty Images)

Brits feel most content when spending time with loved ones, having a cup of tea and sleeping, a survey has found.

After a lonely and separated 2020, almost four in 10 feel at their most relaxed and happy when in the company of friends and family, and 27 per cent felt that way when having a hug.

Others feel content when laughing, having a clean and tidy house and spending time with their furry friends.

Tucking into baked goods, having dinner cooking in the oven and simply finishing work on time also feature in the top 50 list.

It also emerged more than half of those polled admitted to needing comfort more than ever this year, with many  feeling that the last 12 months have been mentally tough.

Paulina Gorska, from Schulstad Bakery Solutions, which commissioned the research, said: “This year has been one of the hardest many of us have ever faced.

“And in a time of turmoil and uncertainty, we turn to comfort and want to spend time doing things which leave us feeling content, happy and able to forget about the real world for a little bit."

The study also found more than half of those polled went as far as to say they were dreading the winter months this year, with four in 10 not looking forward to a ‘Covid Christmas.’

More and more people appear to be turning to other countries for inspiration on how to boost their wellbeing.

Many said they have embraced the ‘hygge’ way of life – a Danish concept of cosy contentment and wellbeing - pronounced Hoo-gah to rhyme to nougat.

A fifth have done this by appreciating their surroundings, while 34 per cent have enjoyed simple pleasures.

Others have made the most of socially distanced brunches with friends, enjoyed a good book and indulged in a spot of pampering.

Positive psychologist and author of The Little Book of Happiness, Miriam Akhtar, said: “This survey reflects what we have seen over the course of the pandemic.

“When stress levels rise, people’s need for a sense of peace grows and we return to the simple, meaningful activities of life like hanging out with loved ones or engaging in absorbing hobbies and crafts.”

The Scandinavian trend has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years.

Earlier this month, previous Great British Bake Off star, Sandi Toksvig, kicked off her BBC Radio 4 show that explores the Danish notion of hygge with celebrity guests.

More than half of those polled, via OnePoll, said they are in need of a hygge moment, with 55 per cent feeling this way during 2020 more than ever before.

And three in five declared they felt 'happier and healthier' when implementing hygge into their daily lives.  

SWNS