We all love checking out the latest Facebook post and how many Instagram likes we can clock up from that witty post or selfie. However, according to new research* revealed today by natural cleaning brand, method, it turns out that a bright summer’s day (69%) and unexpected surprises (41%) are making us happier than designer shoes and social media likes.
According to the poll of adults across the UK*, being surrounded by bright colours makes over half (58%) of us feel happier or more optimistic. It turns out that these everyday experiences, which don’t cost a thing, beat retail therapy with buying material goods coming in at number eight on the list. What’s more, over half (51%) of Brits say they don’t experience enough happiness in their daily lives.
Commissioned to mark the launch of a new movement, 'the method way', method brought a colourful surprise to commuters today with the unveiling of stunning piece of artwork, reimagining London in technicolour. The design-led, natural cleaning brand asked commuters to clean to unveil a giant piece of 3D, recyclable artwork, depicting London's iconic buildings as beacons of light and colour. The stunning piece of art aims to bring joy and happiness to Londoners by combining brightness and colour timed perfectly for the start of Summer Solstice. It also marks the first in a series of activations as part of #themethodway. The method way is all about creating delightful surprises and making things better for people and the planet, whilst doing things in a design-led, colourful way.
Psychologist Emma Kenny, comments, “Colour and brightness raises our endorphins and generally makes us happier. However, as our lives have become increasingly complex and social media likes have become social currency, it is encouraging to see recognition of how such simple things are still relevant in maintaining our general wellbeing. It is important that we try to find ways in our everyday lives to experience more of the things that give us contentment and lift our spirits. Whether it’s a bright summer’s day or the smell of a fresh fragrance - these are just some of the simple ways that we can achieve more colour and brightness."
Clare Burke, country marketing manager for method says, “Here at method we are always looking for ways to surprise and delight people and the reimagining of the somewhat grey London skyline is a reminder of how sometimes the simplest, often unexpected, things cheer us up. Our colourful artwork marks the launch of #themethodway, a series of events we are hosting throughout the summer, showing how we can all bring a little more fun and surprise into every day life.”
Emma Kenny shares her top tips on how to improve everyday happiness
- Spend time with people you love as this reinforces self worth and reminds us of how we are positively connected to other human beings. There is an abundance of research to support that the happiest people are the ones who make time for great relationships
- Practice some mindfulness! Whether it’s taking a yoga class, learning some meditation techniques, or losing yourself whilst you bake or tend to the garden. Any activity that helps us experience the present and brings us a sense of calm increases our happiness level
- Carry out a random act of kindness! Send the old lady on your street a bunch of flowers, or buy the homeless guy a sandwich on your way to work. Research clearly supports the notion that giving to others makes us feel good about ourselves
- Smile more! Seriously it works, aside from smiles being contagious which means other people will have their mood lifted by your positivity, physically it turns out our brain can’t tell the difference between a fake and a real smile and automatically releases happy brain chemicals, so fake it till you make it!
- Do a digital detox! It’s so important to have time away from technology and giving yourself a day a week to get back to basics is great for your mental health and wellbeing, so switch off your phones and switch on to life
To find out more about how method will be brightening up the nation this summer with a series of unexpected surprises and fun activations, follow @methoduk on Facebook and #themethodway to join in.