What brings you the most joy? Picture: Getty

Brits say that small joyful moments help them cope in tough times but lately those are scarce.

Life post-pandemic has proved to be tough and as the cost-of-living crisis worsens we could all do with a sprinkle of positivity.

In fact, because life is getting us down, 61% of Brits are actively looking for little lifts, with 20% specifically attributing this to the cost-of-living crunch.

Surprisingly over half of Brits prefer these small moments of joy and happiness to big celebratory occasions.

With this in mind we spoke to TV psychologist Emma Kenny to get tips on how to maximise the little lifts this winter.

Emma Kenny tells Metro.co.uk: ‘With the cost of living increasing, it’s no surprise people are thinking more short-term and seeking more daily moments of joy that they can share with family and friends.’

The small joyful moments are the ones Brits live for Picture: Getty Images

Connect with nature

Emma says: ‘Make sure that even when the weather is wet and cold that you try to get outside in the fresh air and daylight for at least 40 minutes every day.

‘Getting white light on your skin boosts the release of serotonin, the feel-good hormone, and helps to regulate melatonin levels in your brain – which means you get a good night’s sleep and don’t wake up feeling sleepy and lethargic.

‘Connecting with nature is also excellent for increasing the happiness index and acts as a type of informal mindful practice.’

Eat with family

Sit down with family or friends to eat a hearty meal at least a couple of times a week,’ says Emma.

‘Eating together helps to build strong bonds that are essential for positive wellbeing, and sitting around a table enjoying your favourite food means that you have an opportunity to check in with those you care about most in your world.’

The top 10 most joyful moments according to Brits:

Snuggling up in fresh sheets in bed
Binge watching your favourite TV programme
Enjoying a BBQ with friends and family
Packages arriving in the post
An at-home movie night with friends and family
When someone cooks your favourite dinner as a surprise
The first cup of tea/coffee in the morning
Checking your bank account and having more money than you thought
Getting an unexpected freebie
Dancing to your favourite song

Make memories that don’t break the bank

Emma notes: ‘Great memories rarely cost money, and when you look back, the moments that have the greatest meaning tend to be sentimental and relationship-based in nature.

‘This winter, why not create a season of sentimentality, where you make an effort to create memories that you and your family can truly cherish – and it doesn’t have to dent your bank balance.

‘Family film nights snuggled on the sofa, carpet picnics in front of the fire, and kitchen discos where you all dance to your favourite song like no one’s watching.’

Take note of the mini-miracles

‘Try to notice the mini-miracles that you likely take for granted every day, by really paying attention to all the good things you have in your life, like someone cooking your favourite dinner as a surprise,’ said Emma.

‘At the end of your busy day, write down three things that you felt grateful for, and one thing that you struggled with but overcame.

‘This exercise will help you think more positively, and remind you that even when things have gone wrong, there is something positive you can take from any situation.’

Appreciate the small moments of happiness like your loved one cooking for you Picture: Getty Images

Make time for self-care

Emma tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Make time for some personal pampering this winter, because self-care helps to reinforce self-worth and will remind you that your needs matter.

‘You could listen to a free meditation stream whilst burning some aromatherapy oils, snuggle up to fresh bed sheets with a cup of tea, or pop on a facemask whilst you watch your favourite box set.

‘”You” time really matters, and will give you the little lift you need as the dark nights draw in.’

As we head into an even more challenging winter Sainsbury’s has decided to help customers when it matters most by locking the price of products that unlock joy for its ‘Lift the Moment’ campaign.

This comes after a third of the UK say food and drink are crucial to bringing joy to their favourite moments.

Sainsbury’s Lift the Moment deals:

Sainsbury’s has teamed up with Emma Kenny to create its ‘Lift the Moment’ campaign.

As part of this, they’ve added a Price Lock on items that can bring us joy.

Brew-tiful Bedding: Two-thirds of Brits enjoy food and drink in bed with fresh bed sheets, whilst 27% favour a cup of tea – 10 varieties of tea have been added to Price Lock
Sweet Escape: Chocolate brings the most joy in 50% of favourite moments, with two-fifths of women (42%) favouring it whilst watching their favourite TV show, compared to just a quarter of men (26%) – 24 chocolate share pouches have been Price Locked to sweeten the experience
Cloud Wine: Wine is mentioned in 7 out of the top 10 moments of joy, with 12 new wines to choose from, wine o’clock is even more joyful. Nearly a third (31%) favour it as their drink of choice when dancing to their favourite song
Roast Winner: A roast comes up trumps (34%) when being surprised with dinner, whilst steak comes a close second and chicken and chips third. To lift this family affair a selection of gravy and sides are now included in Price Lock, to complement its existing roast dinner essentials on Sainsbury’s Quality Aldi Price Match
Cereal Offender: A quarter of us favour cereal to accompany our first cup of tea in the morning – 13 cereals, including muesli and granola, are now available as part of the offering
Blockbuster Brits: Crisps and dip come neck and neck with chocolate as the top snack to enjoy while having a movie night in – 19 snacktastic share bags of crisps and three own-brand dips are now Price Locked