A person being told that he or she has lost weight, climbing into bed with freshly washed sheets and seeing an old couple hold hands also help brighten a person's day, says the study of 3,000 people conducted by Three Barrels Brandy.
Sunshine was found to be one of the major factors for happiness. Waking up to a sunny day, sitting in the sun, having a picnic in the sun, and driving with the car windows down on a sunny day all appear in the top 20, the Daily Express reported.
"We can be having a terrible day at work when a quick thank you from the boss can pick us up and make us feel great. Similarly, we could be stuck in traffic when our favourite song comes on the radio and makes us forget about the nightmare daily commute. Small gestures from friends and family can also work wonders when you're feeling a bit down in the dumps," a research spokesman said.
Most people feel at their happiest at around 6 p.m. Saturdays, the research revealed.
The list of 50 things that make people happy:
1. Finding a 10-pound note in an old pair of jeans
2. Going on holiday
3. Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets
4. Swimming in the sea
5. Waking up on a sunny day
6. Sitting in the sun
7. Being surprised with flowers or chocolates
8. Getting a nice message from a loved one
9. Cuddles
10. Getting a thank you card in the post
11. Seeing old people holding hands
12. Driving a car with the window down on a sunny day
13. Winning a tenner
14. Booking a holiday
15. Listening to your favourite song
16. Finding a bargain
17. Seeing an old friend
18. Picnic in the park
19. Getting promoted
20. Romantic night out
21. Hearing a song that reminds you of your past
22. Looking back at old photos
23. Making a new friend
24. Getting a quiet moment to yourself
25. Walks in the country
26. Hearing a baby laugh
27. Having a girlie/lads night out
28. Waking up on a Saturday morning and realising it's the weekend
29. Chocolate
30. Eating cake
31. Fitting into a pair of jeans you thought were too small
32. Praise from your boss
33. Smell of freshly baked bread or cookies
34. Warm bubble bath
35. Someone telling you you have lost weight
36. Finding out someone likes you
37. Sunday dinners
38. Smell of freshly cut grass
39. Landing at the holiday airport
40. Good hair day
41. Bank holidays
42. Passing a driving test
43. Swanky hotel rooms
44. Children doing well at school
45. Someone offering elderly people their seat on the bus or train
46. Someone giving you their car parking ticket at the car park
47. Waking up to find out it has snowed overnight
48. Drinking a cold beer after work
49. Eating comfort food
50. Kissing