Psychologist Lowri Walsh has unveiled simple ways to rediscover joy in the 'little things' after more than half of adults admitted that financial pressures and workplace stress have overshadowed fun.
The positive psychologist has shared her essential recommendations for introducing small moments of happiness into hectic schedules, requiring just a few additional minutes each day - from offering someone a kind word to having an impromptu dance.
Making time to savour delicious yet wholesome meals is another straightforward method to remind yourself that joy often starts in the everyday.
Embracing the mantra 'dance like no one is watching' forms part of Walsh's 'joy missions', demonstrating how physical movement can break the survival mode we often find ourselves in, helping loosen tension and reconnect with an unfiltered version of ourselves.
These strategies were created in partnership with Arla LactoFREE following a social experiment examining how adults react when invited to choose joy over routine, restraint, or practicality, revealing how quickly many people default to compromise.
Walsh created the collection of missions – grounded in positive psychology and the science of emotional wellbeing - to bridge the 'joy gap', encouraging people to break free from going through the motions.
The 'gap' describes the divide between the amount of happiness we require and how frequently we genuinely permit ourselves to experience it. The findings follow research of 2,000 adults which revealed work pressures, financial concerns and family obligations mean 29% can't recall the last time they felt true happiness.
A further 34% confessed they regularly sacrifice the things which bring them joy.
Lowri Walsh said: "Many of us live in permanent 'survival mode' as we try to manage the constant stresses of modern living. In this state, we tend to prioritise productivity, efficiency and coping, while viewing joy as childish, indulgent or unnecessary.
"The good news is being joyful is not a fixed trait, it's a daily practice we can all access when we know how. Through a few simple 'missions', people can feel uplifted, lighter and reconnect with what makes them genuinely happy."
The research also revealed the top things causing adults to compromise on their happiness, including not having enough sleep (35%) and their mental health (30%).
Some 27% expressed a desire to be more childlike in their choices, selecting something 'fun' 'just because'. Although 31% find it difficult to put their own happiness first.
The OnePoll.com survey also identified the things people refuse to sacrifice, including a morning cup of tea, getting into comfortable clothes as soon as the day finishes, and a Saturday morning lie-in.
Popular methods for creating happiness included listening to music (50%), spending quality time with loved ones (46%) and taking a walk or run (41%).
Stuart Ibberson at Arla LactoFREE said: "As we get older, joy can start to feel like something we have to earn rather than something we can make space for every day.
"Work, family life and money worries all add up, and it's often the small things that get pushed aside first, but joy doesn't have to mean doing something big or extravagant.
"It can come from everyday habits that help you feel more like yourself again - whether that's connecting with a colleague or friend during a workday, taking a few minutes to enjoy something delicious, or simply saying yes to something that lifts your mood."
LOWRI WALSH’S TOP TIPS TO CLOSE THE ‘JOY GAP’
MIND
Give someone a compliment: Telling someone that you like their coat or that they have a nice smile can create a brief, but powerful experience of shared emotion that boosts connection and lifts your mood.
BODY
Dance it out: Movement can help us feel lighter by bringing us back into our bodies – and dancing is a great way to do this. Interrupt the survival mode we often find ourselves in, loosen tension and reconnect with a more instinctive, unfiltered version of yourself.
TUMMY
Eat something nourishing: This can break the cycle of stress and bring a sense of comfort. Choose something that offers both taste and nutritional goodness to carve out a small but meaningful moment to reset.
