Top 40 everyday sights that bring joy and why we often overlook them

The happiest everyday sights include a rainbow after rain, a baby’s smile – and a clear night sky full of stars. A poll of 2,000 adults found 28% crack a smile when they catch sight of a dog so excited it can’t stop wagging its tail, and 24% love nothing more than seeing an older couple walking hand-in-hand – but a random act of kindness tops the list for 39%.

A sleepy pet stretching instantly lifts the mood for 22%, and the same amount have their hearts warmed by the sight of ducks waddling in a line.  But despite the joy these little moments bring, 22% admit they take their sight for granted – one in five haven’t had a proper eye check-up in more than the recommended two years.

Peter Morton, from eye care supplement Ocuvite Complete, which commissioned the research, said: “Witnessing certain things can give us a lift, and make us feel great.

“We often talk about the benefits of mindfulness and being present for our mental health, and a simple way to do this can be to notice and appreciate what we see.

“A child’s drawing on the fridge, a sunset through the window, or even the pattern on a favourite mug – these are the sights that make us feel at home in the world.

“Protecting our vision ensures we can keep experiencing these moments with clarity and joy.”

The study went on to find 24% find the main barrier to noticing these small happy moments is always being in a rush. While 22% blame feeling stressed or anxious, and 16% by being distracted by their phone.

Possibly as a result, 12% reported only seeing something wholesome that makes them smile when out and about less often than once a month.

And 56% think kids are more likely than adults to notice funny or silly sights happening in the world, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Peter Morton from eye health vitamin firm Ocuvite Complete added: “Children have a natural gift for spotting the magic in everyday life – a bug on the pavement, a rainbow in a puddle, or the way light bounces off a cereal bowl.

“They remind us that joy is everywhere, if we take the time to look.

“But to keep seeing the world through curious eyes, we need to protect our vision – because those little moments are only as vivid as our sight allows.”