A poll of 2,000 UK adults found the UK regions that smiles the most, as well as the things that raise the barest of grins
Yorkshire residents have been crowned Britain’s most miserable – smiling less frequently than residents across other areas in the country, new research reveals. By contrast, people from the West Midlands are the nation’s cheeriest, flashing their smiles an average of 17 times daily compared to Yorkshire and the Humber folk who manage just 11 smiles.
The survey of 2,000 adults discovered that North West residents smile 14 times each day, whilst Londoners manage 16 grins. Across Britain, people claim to smile 14 times daily on average, with East Midlands residents most prone to going smile-free entirely.
Receiving pleasant news, enjoying a joke and spotting something amusing topped the list of smile triggers. Meanwhile, grinning at others and offering praise emerged as the favourite tactics Brits use to coax smiles from fellow citizens.
Monique Kemperman, a spokesperson for Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, which commissioned the research in conjunction with World Smile Day on the 3rd October, said: “It’s interesting to see how smiling differs across the UK. Our figures show that far from the ‘dour northerners’ of cliché, people in the north of the country are more than happy to grin when needed.
“While some regions may smile less often, it’s clear that people everywhere are ready to share a grin when something brightens their day. But it’s fair to say across the entirety of the UK, more could be done to get people grinning – and that starts with every one of us.”
Whilst an urgent chocolate drop-off was considered a present bound to spark joy, the leading choice was a bouquet of someone’s favourite flowers.
When Brits are attempting to lift their own spirits, 45 per cent will blast their cherished tunes, whilst an equal proportion will switch on a reassuring television programme or movie.
Taking a stroll or enjoying time in the fresh air works wonders for 41 per cent, whilst 24 per cent seek comfort in snuggling with their furry companion.
Yet only 58 per cent of those surveyed regard themselves as naturally cheerful individuals, with Londoners being most inclined to view themselves this way.
Half of residents from the broader South East reckon they’re the type of person others would describe as habitually upbeat.
The survey also explored what brings joy to people across the UK, with a welcoming neighbourhood community topping the list of smile-triggers.
Meanwhile, half highlighted the country’s stunning countryside and natural areas, whilst 38 per cent praised the excellent local cuisine and beverages available, the OnePoll.com data revealed.
A substantial 76 per cent agreed that flowers make an excellent present to brighten someone’s day or bring a grin to their face.
Kemperman added: “When you look out of the window and see the rain clouds, it can be hard to remember a reason to smile.
“But even on the darkest days, there are always things that can bring us a little bit of light. It might be a funny message from a friend, a fond memory, or a beautiful bunch of your favourite flowers – but staying positive is always key.”
TOP 10 THINGS GUARANTEED TO MAKE BRITS SMILE:
- A bouquet of your favourite blooms
- An unexpected delivery of your top pastry pick
- A surprise drop-off of emergency chocolate
- A small bag of sweet treats
- A surprise hot beverage waiting on your desk
- A personalised playlist curated just for you
- A homemade biscuit, lovingly wrapped in a napkin
- A postcard from an unexpected location
- A sweet note of kindness hidden in your lunchbox
- A goofy photo sneakily slipped into your notebook
