What makes Americans’ days better? Finding money in your pocket, sleeping in without setting an alarm and lying in bed listening to the rain are the nation’s top three “mood boosters,” according to new research.
Petting a dog, performing small gestures of kindness and enjoying a freshly baked treat like blueberry pie also rank high on the list.
These mood boosters emerged from a study by the US Highbush Blueberry Council exploring the tiny things in life that improve people’s moods – and what exactly constitutes a “perfect day.” The new survey of 2,000 Americans is part of the aptly named “Positively Bluetiful” campaign.
SWNSFrom walking into an air-conditioned room on a hot day to holding hands with someone you love, the list reveals that the smallest things can have the biggest impact on our moods.
In fact, almost half of Americans (46 percent) perk up simply from realizing that it’s a beautiful, sunny day.
Music makes for a mellow mood too – 37 percent agree that listening to your favorite album is enough to improve your day. Specifically, The Beatles were voted the top “mood-boosting” band or artist (32 percent), with The Eagles and Michael Jackson rounding out the top three.
Mood boosters can instantly turn your bad day into a good one. According to the study, the average American has 204 good days each year and 15 self-described “perfect days.”
So, what’s the recipe for a perfect day? The study found that for the average respondent, the perfect day starts with getting out of bed at 8:15 a.m. and ends with crawling into bed at 10:50 p.m.
The perfect day also features clear skies with a temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as actually being outside for about three hours.
People also factor significantly in a perfect day, which includes four hours with family and three hours of socializing with friends. To unwind, the day incorporates three hours relaxing in front of the TV.
“Who doesn’t love sleeping in, sunny skies and spending time with loved ones,” concurred Vicki De Bruin for the US Highbush Blueberry Council. “These simple pleasures put the biggest smiles on our faces – and it’s even better when we know these seemingly indulgent treats are actually really good for us.”
The top three feel-good food and drinks include sweet and savory treats: ice cream, bacon and coffee.
However, reaching for a healthier snack you enjoy can offer double the benefits. According to the survey, 89 percent of Americans believe eating healthy and exercising impacts their mood.
Over half of Americans (52 percent) say that eating healthy and more cleanly make them feel happier, while another 45 percent point to regular exercise as a factor that leads to their happiness.
Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, healthy produce – and in July, fruit lovers can take the opportunity to enjoy National Blueberry Month. Eaten on their own or in your favorite dishes, blueberries bring the healthful goodness.
The top 40 mood boosters:
- Finding money in your pocket you didn’t know you had — 58 percent
- Being able to sleep in with no alarm set — 55 percent
- Lying in bed listening to rainfall outside — 51 percent
- A small gesture of kindness from somebody in your life — 49 percent
- Petting a dog — 48 percent
- Performing a small gesture of kindness for somebody in your life — 47 percent
- Realizing it’s a beautiful, sunny day — 46 percent
- Long, hot shower — 44 percent
- A meaningful, long hug from somebody you love — 42 percent
- Seeing a friend you haven’t seen in a long time — 42 percent
- The first sip of coffee of the day — 41 percent
- Plopping down on your bed after a long, tiring day — 40 percent
- Walking into an air-conditioned building on a hot day — 40 percent
- Baked treats (i.e., fresh blueberry pie) — 40 percent
- Listening to your favorite album — 37 percent
- Watching the sunset or sunrise — 37 percent
- Holding hands with someone you love — 36 percent
- Getting new clothes — 35 percent
- Cuddling your partner before getting up to start your day — 34 percent
- Cuddling with your pet after a long day — 33 percent
- Waking up to birds chirping — 33 percent
- Petting a cat — 33 percent
- Cooking your favorite meal — 31 percent
- Happening across a smell you enjoy, from cookies to the smell of rain — 31 percent
- Exchanging a genuine smile with a stranger — 31 percent
- Sunlight on your skin — 31 percent
- Getting a new haircut — 30 percent
- Finding a good new book to read — 29 percent
- Having a pleasant conversation with a total stranger — 28 percent
- Meeting a new person you genuinely like — 28 percent
- Eating a healthy food that makes you feel good about yourself — 28 percent
- A long soak in the tub — 27 percent
- Going to the movies — 27 percent
- Receiving a bouquet of flowers from someone you care about — 25 percent
- Going for a walk alone — 25 percent
- A lazy drive to nowhere in particular — 25 percent
- Having a nice, long stretch after sitting for awhile — 24 percent
- Ordering delivery — 24 percent
- A nice glass of beer or wine after a long day — 24 percent
- Realizing you’re going to have a good hair day — 23 percent
Top 10 mood-boosting musical acts
- The Beatles — 32 percent
- The Eagles — 26 percent
- Michael Jackson — 25 percent
- Queen — 23 percent
- Fleetwood Mac — 23 percent
- Bruno Mars — 22 percent
- Elton John — 20 percent
- Elvis Presley — 20 percent
- Adele — 20 percent
- Whitney Houston — 19 percent
The perfect day, according to respondents:
• Wake up at 8:15 a.m.
• The weather is clear skies with a temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit
• Two friends seen
• Three hours spent socializing
• Two hours spent eating
• One hour exercising
• Two hours spent reading
• Three hours spent watching TV
• Four hours spent with family
• Three hours spent outside
• Four hours of relaxation
• Three hours listening to music
• In bed at 10:50 p.m.
