BRITS need three positive moments in the morning to set them up for a good day, a survey found.
These can include a proper family breakfast, reading something funny, and waking to a lovely message, according to the poll of 2,000 adults.
They revealed the top 25 things that brighten their day and keep them in a positive frame of mind until evening.
Other morning mood boosters include looking forward to things planned for later, like a lunch with a colleague, an evening catch up with a friend or playing a team sport.
And three quarters said these little positive thoughts and events help diffuse the bits of the day that also get them down.
Worries about family members (47 per cent), financial concerns (47 per cent) and not feeling like they belong to their community (27 per cent) ranked highest for negative concerns.
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Meanwhile, 22 per cent said what they see or hear about world events can really impact their ability to be positive.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) commissioned the research to mark its five-year partnership with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
David Horne, of LNER, said: "Our research shows it only takes a few moments to set people up for a brighter day.
“The biggest contributors are acts of kindness, friendship and a sense of community.
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“We want to help the nation connect and belong, so we’ve launched the ‘News Against Living Miserably’ news stand at Newcastle Central Station to showcase inspiring stories and raise further awareness about the vital work being done by CALM.”
The study also found Brits typically wake up in a negative mood an average of twice a week — with only a third believing themselves to be a ‘morning person’.
And it takes an average of 24 minutes after waking for them to decide if they’re going to have a good day or a bad day.
Factors such as how they slept (49 per cent), how well they’re feeling (44 per cent) and what’s on their to do list (26 per cent) also contribute to their ability to be positive.
But 67 per cent reckon it’s easier to have a good day overall, if the day started off on the right track.
And 51 per cent feel it only takes the smallest thing to tip their mood into being more positive or more negative.
People polled by OnePoll.com said receiving a compliment, a cuddle with a pet or a friendly chat with a stranger can keep them in a positive frame of mind as the day commences.
It also emerged that if 49 per cent had a bad start to the day, they’d be likely to tackle it head on by taking measures to keep the blues away.
These include making a cup of tea or coffee, listening to an up-beat music track or podcast and reading an uplifting news story to make them smile.
But of those who wouldn't bother trying to improve a day that had started badly, an optimistic 48 per cent just hope for the day to improve naturally.
When it comes to feeling positive generally, 44 per cent think getting involved in and feeling a part of their local community would help.
Although 38 per cent sometimes feel as though they’re ‘not a part of anything’, and 20 per cent feel no one ‘gets’ them.
Dipika Saggi, from CALM, said: “Sometimes the things life throws at us can make us feel a bit miserable, but as this research shows, sometimes simple, small gestures or actions can help us get through the day and give our mood a boost.
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“So send your mate that meme to make them smile, belt out your favourite song in the shower, or make time for a proper good brew.
“No one should feel alone in their struggles, so find what works for you – chat to a mate, find professional support, or get help from CALM.”
Top 25 morning mood boosters to set you up for a good day
- The sun is shining
- Having had a great night’s sleep
- Spending time in nature
- Reading something that makes you smile or laugh
- Receiving a compliment
- Having your coffee or tea just the way you like it
- A parcel you’ve been waiting for arriving
- Everyone in your household being in a good mood
- Waking up to a lovely email or message from a friend or loved one
- Remembering something nice you’ve arranged for later that day
- A cuddle with your pet
- A hug from your children
- Waking up to clean home after doing your housework the night before
- Listening to your favourite music or podcast
- Sitting down for breakfast with your family or partner
- A friendly chat with a neighbour
- Reading an uplifting story in the news
- Getting out the door on time
- A walk with your dog
- A morning workout
- A friendly chat with a stranger
- Getting up before the rest of the household to have some time to yourself
- Watching a funny or uplifting video
- Practising wellness or mindfulness
- Receiving an invite to an event
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