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  • Writer's pictureHinton Magazine

Forget winning the lottery, it's waking up to sunshine that really makes us happy!

New study uncovers the everyday ‘little wins’ that spark joy, giving Brits a ‘happy glow’ of 74 minutes


Research by Barefoot Wine has revealed the small everyday moments which spark joy, including finding money in an old coat pocket (48%), receiving an unexpected gift in the post (40%) and getting a compliment from a stranger (31%)

Research shows that Brits enjoy an average of three such wins a week, with 60% confirming that unexpected joyous moments help them to forget anything negative

Over one fifth of Brits reward ‘little wins’ with a glass of their favourite wine

Barefoot Wine is encouraging the nation to celebrate the everyday ‘little wins’ as part of its ‘Virtual Cheers’ campaign

21st May 2020. New research announced today has revealed the everyday ‘little wins’ that spark joy, with getting an extra hour in bed (28%), enjoying a relaxing glass of wine at the end of the day (16%) and even and even getting into fresh bedding at the end of the day (37%) making up Brits top picks.

As the nation continues to adjust to a slower pace of life it seems that us Brits are taking the time to appreciate the simple things, as the study, commissioned by Barefoot Wine, confirms that over half the nation (54%) have found more joy in everyday ‘little wins’ during recent months than ever before. 

It appears little wins can equal big reward, as the research reveals that Brits enjoy up to three such wins a week on average, giving them a ‘happy glow’ for 74 minutes each time - that’s almost 4 hours of happiness a week. The findings also revealed that one fifth of Brits admitted to actively seeking out ‘little wins’ to boost morale, while over 60% confirmed that an unexpected joyous moment has the power to help them forget anything negative going on around them.

In a time when a little happiness goes along way, 86% of Brits believe it’s more important than ever to appreciate the little things in life. The study shows that one in four hope to experience a ‘little win’ such as waking up to sunshine (43%) at the beginning of the day, in order to boost their mood. Other everyday moments such as waking up and realising it’s the weekend (24%) and finding a forgotten bottle of wine (13%) keep people positive for at least 69 minutes and deserve to be celebrated. 


Like other successes, when it comes to celebrating a ‘little win’ or achievement, over one fifth of the nation reward themselves with a refreshing glass of wine to mark the occasion. Over half of Brits can’t wait to share such moments with loved ones, with 53% phoning a partner or friend to share the news and a fifth celebrating further with a positive post on social media. Surprisingly, one tenth even admitted that experiencing a ‘little win’ is better than spending time with their other half!

A spokesman for Barefoot said: “Now more than ever it’s important that we appreciate the little moments in life and this research shows that celebrating the ‘little wins’ can really make a difference -  whether that’s starting the day with sun, having a weekend lie-in or winding down and having a glass of wine at the end of the week.

Barefoot Wine has always been about celebrating positivity and raising a glass to the everyday little wins, which is why we’re encouraging people all around the country to raise a ‘virtual cheers’ every Saturday to celebrate the little things with family and friends.”


Barefoot Wine “Top 50” list of ‘Little Wins’:

  1. Finding money in an old coat pocket (48%)

  2. Waking up to sunshine (43%)

  3. Receiving an unexpected gift in the post (40%)

  4. Getting into fresh bedding at the end of the day (37%)

  5. Traffic lights turning green as you approach (33%)

  6. Watching the sunset (33%)

  7. Completing a to-do list (32%)

  8. Completing a DIY task by yourself (31%)              

  9. Winning a lucky dip on the lottery (31%)

  10. Getting a compliment from a stranger (30%)

  11. Getting an extra hour in bed

  12. When your favourite song comes on the radio or playlist

  13. Getting a free item in your takeaway     

  14. Finding a forgotten stash of chocolate                  

  15. Receiving an online delivery earlier than expected          

  16. Putting comfy clothes on at the end of a busy day           

  17. Seeing a happy dog on a walk    

  18. Completing a gardening task successfully                  

  19. Waking up thinking it’s a weekday but realising it’s the weekend

  20. Getting the last parking space in a car park         

  21. Receiving a call from a long distant friend or family member       

  22. Being thanked for helping a neighbour  

  23. Finding out it’s a four-day working week

  24. Fitting into a pair of jeans you’d forgotten about

  25. Getting a new recipe right          

  26. Keeping a plant alive     

  27. Seeing the item you need fully stocked in the supermarket         

  28. Parallel parking on a first attempt           

  29. Waking up to a heart-warming text                       

  30. Having the exact amount of change to pay for something            

  31. Remembering to cancel a subscription before the free trial ends

  32. Having an umbrella in your bag when it starts raining     

  33. Completing a food shop without forgetting any items     

  34. Completing a home workout     

  35. Waking up on a ‘good hair day’               

  36. Having a crisp, refreshing glass of wine at the end of the day      

  37. Having a surprise date night with your partner  

  38. Getting a product upgrade in your online food shop                      

  39. When your favourite box set returns     

  40. Waking up just before your alarm           

  41. Finding a forgotten bottle of wine                         

  42. Winning a virtual quiz   

  43. Getting likes on your social media post  

  44. Taking a ‘good’ selfie first time  

  45. Getting a personal best time for a run

  46. Painting your nails without smudging    

  47. When your child sleeps through the night           

  48. When your kids play happily together    

  49. Finding that your favourite bottle of wine is in stock       

  50. Loading the dishwasher perfectly

To be in with a chance of winning a Barefoot Little Win for yourself of a loved one, join Barefoot Wine this month on their social channels. Share your ‘Little Win’ experience and raise a #VirtualCheers to the little things in life.

For more information visit @barefootwineuk #VirtualCheers




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