The average person finds happiness in the “little things” about eight times per day – adding up to just under 60 per week according to new research.

To improve their mood throughout the day – and give themselves something to smile about – respondents make an effort to stay hydrated, eat enough that they avoid getting “hangry” and take walks.

And it seems many aim to start their day off on the right foot, as results revealed that after reaching for their phone (40%) as soon as they wake up, 20% look for a glass of water.

Conducted by OnePoll, the survey delved further into the idea of hydration – and looked to uncover the correlation between hydration and happiness.

The survey split respondents by the number of glasses of water they drink per day (less than one, one to three, four to six, seven to nine and 10 or more), then asked a variety of questions related to their overall happiness and mood.

The majority of the respondents drank between four and six glasses of water a day (37%) followed by 36% saying they drank between one and three glasses of water a day.

Among those who drank the most water (10+ glasses a day), 80% said it was very important to find happiness in the little things, compared to 48% among those who drank less than one glass of water a day.

Forty-six percent of those who drank the most water also said they were very happy compared to only 22% among those who drank the least water.

Those who upped their water intake were also increasingly likely to call themselves a “glass half full” type of person.

When they don’t drink enough water, respondents experience low energy (35%), headaches (29%) and muscle cramps (23%).

And that’s not to mention the emotional symptoms: respondents report low mood, irritability, frustration and anxiety when they’re dehydrated

In order to stay hydrated throughout the day, 39% said they take water with them wherever they go and drink water first thing in the morning, followed by 25% who said they make a goal for the amount of water they drink throughout the day.

Sixty-one percent of those who drank more than 10 glasses of water a day said they used water additives such as drink mixes and powders, while 59% of those who drank the least water said they did not.

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 peope was commissioned by True Lemon.

HOW DO RESPONDENTS STAY HYDRATED?

  • I take water or a hydrating drink with me wherever I go — 39%
  • I drink water first thing in the morning — 39%
  • I have a goal for the amount of water or hydrating drinks that I want to drink throughout the day — 25%
  • I supplement drinking water with hydrating drinks or mixes — 23%
  • I limit my caffeine and/or alcohol intake — 20%
  • I have reminders set throughout the day to drink water — 14%