Brits feel most content when spending time with loved ones, having a cup of tea and sleeping, a study has found.

After a lonely and separated 2020, almost four in 10 feel at their most relaxed and happy when in the company of friends and family, and 27 per cent when having a hug.

Others feel content when laughing (32 per cent), having a clean and tidy house (22 per cent) and spending time with furry friends (19 per cent).

Tucking into baked goods (18 per cent), having dinner cooking in the oven (20 per cent) and simply finishing work on time (seven per cent) also feature in the top 50 list.

More than half of those polled admitted to needing comfort more than ever this year, with 67 per cent feeling this year has been mentally tough.

Paulina Gorska, Marketing Manager at Schulstad Bakery Solutions, who commissioned the research, said: “This year has been one of the hardest many of us have ever faced.

“And in a time of turmoil and uncertainly, we turn to comfort and want to spend time doing things which leave us feeling content, happy and able to forget about the real world for a little bit.

“Whether that is speaking to loved ones, reading a book or simply taking a few moments in the morning to unwind and enjoy a coffee and Danish pastry, it’s important to find something which leaves you feeling cosy and content to help your wellbeing.

“Sometimes it’s the little things in life which can make the most difference to how you feel.”

The study also found more than half (53 per cent) of those polled went as far as to say they were dreading the winter months this year, with four in 10 not looking forward to a ‘Covid Christmas.’

And with 53 per cent admitting that they have felt more down and unsettled than ever before, 15 per cent have turned to other countries for inspiration on how to boost their wellbeing.

Almost four in 10 also said they have embraced the ‘hygge’ way of life – a Danish concept of cosy contentment and wellbeing. This is pronounced Hoo-gah to rhyme to nougat.

A fifth have done this by appreciating their surroundings, while 34 per cent have enjoyed the simple pleasures.

Others have made the most of socially distanced brunches with friends (12 per cent), enjoyed a good book (23 per cent) and indulged in a spot of pampering (12 per cent).

Positive Psychologist and author of The Little Book of Happiness, Miriam Akhtar, commented on the findings: “This survey reflects what we have seen over the course of the pandemic. When stress levels rise, people’s need for a sense of peace grows and we return to the simple, meaningful activities of life like hanging out with loved ones or engaging in absorbing hobbies and crafts.

“Hygge is a joyful state of mind when you feel at your most relaxed which more people should look to incorporate in their lives. To do hygge you need to feel completely at ease, either alone or in the company of loved ones. It clearly works as the Danes frequently top the league table of the happiest nations.”

The Scandinavian trend has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. Earlier this month, previous Great British Bake Off star, Sandi Toksvig, kicked off her BBC Radio 4 show that explores the Danish notion of hygge with celebrity guests.

Despite Brits grasping the concept of ‘HUE-gah’, just one in five know how to pronounce the word (sounds similar to nougat)

More than half of those polled said they are in need of a Hygge moment, with 55 per cent feeling this way during 2020 more than ever before.

According to the data, three in five declared they felt “happier and healthier” when implementing hygge into their daily lives.

Top 50 things which make Brits feel most content

Spending time with family or loved ones
Laughing
Listening to music
Having time for myself
Reading a book
Watching tv or a film
A hug
Having a hot drink and pastry
Chocolate
Eating your favourite meal
A long walk on the beach or in the woods
Getting into a bed made with freshly washed bed sheets
Sleeping
Hanging out with friends
A clean and tidy house
Reconnecting with nature
Travelling
A comforting dinner
Booking a holiday
Smiling
Spending time with pets
Exercising
Having a slice of cake or baked good
Connecting with your partner
Having a lie in
Eating something sweet
Switching off
Helping other people
Sitting under a blanket on the sofa while it’s raining outside
Ticking everything off your to-do list
Hearing your children laughing
Cooking or baking
Waking up and realising it’s the weekend
An early night with a good book
Decluttering
Going on a date with a loved one
Starting a new book
Pampering
A good day at work
Having a bath with a candle
Listening to the radio or a podcast
Buying everything you needed on your shopping list
Crafting
Finishing work on time
Meditating
Cleaning
Painting or drawing
Putting your out of office on
Keep a gratitude log or diary
Being on social media