New study finds that watching cute animals or seeing a happy old couple can reduce our stress levels

After a stressful year, a new survey has shown that watching cute animals, receiving a compliment and looking at a bright blue sky are among some of the top ways that people can boost their happiness

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By

Sophie McLaughlin

17:35, 29 APR 2021

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 6: Camila Cabello attends Verizon and Camila Cabello Host Pop-Up and Q&A in Los Angeles to celebrate her new 'Romance' album on December 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Image: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Verizon)

It is no secret that seeing a happy puppy or a cute kitten can instantly brighten our day and leaving us in a completely different mood.

Therefore it is not shocking to discover that watching cute animals is among the top things we can do to reduce our stress levels and positively affect our happiness according to a new study by web hosting experts Fasthosts.

Fasthosts is a leading technology provider which offers secure UK data centres, 24/7 support and a highly successful reseller channel.

As part of their research, Fasthosts surveyed 2,000 respondents to discover the things that make them the happiest.

After gathering the results, they hosted the top ten mood boosters on a website and monitored users on the page using facial expression software where the results were then analysed by psychologist expert Dennis Relojo-Howell.

The findings unsurprisingly confirmed that watching cute animals, listening to the sound of the sea and receiving a compliment are all among the top things we can do to reduce our stress levels and increase our happiness levels.

Discussing the importance of positivity in reducing stress, sales and marketing director at Fasthosts Michelle Stark said: “With so much negativity surrounding us over the past year, it’s important to try and get a mood boost from accessible things around you.

"That’s why we’ve conducted this research to find out what positively affects our happiness and stress levels."

According to this data, the top ten stress reducers are:

Someone smiling at you
Cute puppies and kittens
A sunny blue sky
Watching a sunset
Sound of the sea
A compliment
Seeing an old couple happy
Scenic views
Food
A crackling fireplace

With all the stress and uncertainty that has built up over the past year due to the pandemic, Fasthosts have gathered their data to create the 'Happiest Website Ever' where you can watch all of these relaxing and stress-reducing things for hours on end.

To get your next serotonin fix to reduce those stress levels, visit https://www.fasthosts.co.uk/web-hosting/happiest-website

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