A survey by one of the big supermarkets has found that a roast is the most-welcomed type of surprise dinner. The survey, commissioned by Sainsbury's, also found that small, joyful moments help people cope with tough times.
Two-fifths of those surveyed say the challenges of the cost of living crisis and the pandemic mean they are looking for small pick-me-ups every day. Food and drink are cited as providing most of the joy.
As the nation heads into a challenging winter, top psychologist Emma Kenny is encouraging Brits to find small moments of joy to help with their mental wellbeing. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s says it is extending its commitment to helping customers when it matters most by locking the price of products that unlock joy.
With 61% of people saying they are actively looking for more joy, Brits have spoken. Their top 10 moments include:
- Snuggling up to fresh bed 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/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
From our favourite tea in bed to a surprise roast dinner, the research revealed just how intrinsic the following food and drinks are to our most joyful moments:
- Two-thirds of Brits enjoy food and drink in bed with fresh bed sheets, while 27% favour a cup of tea.
- Chocolate brings the most joy in 50% of favourite moments, with two-fifths of women (42%) favouring it while watching their favourite TV show, compared to just a quarter of men (26%).
- Wine is mentioned in seven out of the top 10 moments of joy.
- A roast comes up trumps (34%) when being surprised with dinner, while steak comes a close second and chicken and chips third.
- A quarter of us favour cereal to accompany our first cup of tea in the morning.
- Crisps and dip come neck and neck with chocolate as the top snack to enjoy while having a movie night in.
Emma is calling on the nation to grab those small moments of joy: “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. Food is integral to helping us feel good, bringing people together and creating connections, but it also plays a big part in our mental wellbeing – it’s important to find those moments of joy.”
Sainsbury’s is inviting customers to share their top moments of joy and the foods that give it a little lift by tagging @Sainsburys #LiftTheMoment to give more inspiration and help better its value offering. For more information, visit Sainsburys.co.uk
