Words by Smiley Team
A simple smile can make someone's day, bring you happiness, and make you feel calm.
Smiles are powerful – we shouldn't forget that. And that's why we love that The Smiley Company, who is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has declared 2022 the "year of smiles".
In honour of this, the company surveyed more than 2,000 people across the UK, which resulted in its Smile Index – findings that reveal the state of smiles across the UK.
And what did it find? The majority of people hope to smile more in 2022. And we do, too.
[Discover more positive news on Smiley Movement each day]
Survey results show 79% of people smile when they see someone else smile, and 72% of respondents want to see more people smiling in 2022.
Here are some other results the Smile Index found.
1. When someone says something funny – 81%
2. When someone smiles at me – 76%
3. A happy memory – 69%
4. Spending times with friends/family – 68%
5. A compliment from friends, family coworker – 64%
6. Getting a nice note/text from someone – 64%
7. When I see a baby or animal – 58%
8. Doing something kind for others – 55%
9. When a song I like comes on – 52%
10. Enjoying fave meal or drink – 41%
The Smiley Company survey asked how often people smiled each day, and compared this across region.
"Up to 15 minutes" was the most frequent amount of smiling per day, across all regions – but some regions still smiled more than others.
1. South England
2. North England
3. Midlands
4. East of England
5. Scotland
6. London
7. Wales
8. Northern Ireland
The top 3 emotions that smiles make people feel were:
:: Happines
:: A sense of calm
:: Motivation
Throughout the year, Smiley will be announcing exciting collaborations, partnerships and smile-worthy moments around the world. To join The Smiley Company in celebrating smiles in 2022 and to learn more about The Smiley Company, visit www.smiley.com.
