A cuppa, cuddle and a kip make us content

BRITONS feel most content when spending time with loved ones, having a cup of tea and sleeping, a study has found.

After a lonely and separated 2020, almost four in 10 feel most relaxed and happy when in the company of friends and family, with 27 per cent most content when having a hug.

Others feel content when laughing (32%), having a clean and tidy house (22%) and spending time with their pets (19%).

Tucking into baked goods (18%), having dinner cooking in the oven (20%) and simply finishing work on time (7%) also feature in the top 50 list.

It also emerged more than half of those polled admitted to needing comfort more than ever this year, with 67% feeling that the last 12 months have been mentally tough.

Paulina Gorska, from Schulstad Bakery Solutions, which commissioned the research, said: “This year has been one of the hardest many of us have ever faced.

“And in a time of turmoil and uncertainty, we turn to comfort and want to spend time doing things which leave us feeling content, happy and able to forget about the real world for a little bit.

“Whether that is speaking to loved ones, reading a book or simply taking a few moments in the morning to unwind and enjoy a coffee and Danish pastry, it’s important to find something which leaves you feeling cosy and content to help your wellbeing. Sometimes it’s the little things in life which can make the most difference to how you feel.”

The study also found more than half (53%) of those polled went as far as to say they were dreading the winter months this year, with four in 10 not looking forward to a “Covid Christmas”.