Brits have revealed the 50 simple things they want more of this year, including time to read, spontaneous day trips – and lie-ins.  

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed the top 50 actions and experiences they want to encounter, with receiving good news top of the list (48 per cent).  

Others want to make more time for exercise (29 per cent), hobbies (27 per cent) and being creative (17 per cent).  

And many hope to be on the receiving end of hugs from loved ones (29 per cent), meaningful conversations (17 per cent) and thoughtful, unexpected text messages (16 per cent).  

When it comes to finances, 29 per cent are keen for opportunities to make more savings on shopping and bills, while 16 per cent would like to see more generosity from businesses like discounts and freebies.  

Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff, which commissioned the research, said: "It's clear people want to see and do more this year, and actively make time for themselves and those close to them.

"Whether it's 10 minutes a day dedicated to a hobby, or spontaneous calls with friends or family – these little acts can make a big difference.

"Social lives seem to play a big part of the top 50 list, including dates with partners, friends and relatives and unexpected texts from loved ones."

The research also found, to make time to tick stuff off, 32 per cent plan to set small goals and targets while 31 per cent aim to book stuff in-advance, such as catch ups with friends and family.  

People would prefer to do more of the things they want to do (37 per cent) this year, than those they need to do (18 per cent). 

Despite hoping to put aside an hour and 45 minutes a week to focus on such activities and goals, 43 per cent say a lack of time is the top barrier.  

Decreased motivation (36 per cent), being stuck in a rut of a routine (34 per cent) and a lack of confidence (26 per cent) were also hurdles.  

Of those polled, via OnePoll, 46 per cent have goals for 2025 – an average of four each – typically in the areas of physical health (62 per cent), personal finance (55 per cent) and family (44 per cent).  

Similarly, 86 per cent think it's important to make time for the things which have a positive impact on their wellbeing and in turn will make them feel happy (62 per cent) and connected (32 per cent).  

In terms of acts of kindness from others, being made a cup of tea leaves 38 per cent in a good mood for mere minutes, but an unexpected gift or flowers results in days of positivity (31 per cent).  

And 85 per cent admitted that if someone has done something for them, they're more likely to do the same in return.  

Ash Schofield, for giffgaff, which is offering its customers the freedom to flex the cost of their data allowance each month to suit budget, added: "The research suggests it's the year for 'me', with people hoping to commit time to themselves, be it for relaxing or ticking things off their bucket list.

"Personal finance is high on the agenda, with almost a third wishing for no surprise bills this year - this is something we hope to help people avoid, with no-mid contract price rises.

"It's great to see almost a fifth (19 per cent) will use their phone in a positive way to help them do that, by setting reminders to achieve their goals."

TOP 50 THINGS PEOPLE WANT MORE OF THIS YEAR:

1.Good news  

2.Walks  

3.Travel  

4.Time in nature  

5.Time to read  

6.No surprise bills  

7.Weather nice enough to hang a wash out on the line  

8.Opportunities to make savings on shopping/bills  

9.Hugs from loved ones  

10.Time for exercise  

11.Spontaneous day trips  

12.Time for my hobbies  

13.Dining out  

14.Uninterrupted time to relax  

15.Ticking off decorating/DIY jobs in my home  

16.Time with my children  

17.Dates with partner/potential partner  

18.New TV series to binge  

19.Dates with friend 

20.Road trips  

21.Trips to the cinema  

22.Cook meals from scratch  

23.Favourite supermarket items on offer 

24.To feel more connected to others  

25.Film nights at home  

26.More live music  

27.Buying new clothes for myself  

28.Time to be creative  

29.Surprise gifts (e.g. no occasion) 

30.Deep/meaningful conversations  

31.Unexpected generosity from businesses e.g. discounts, freebies  

32.Lie-ins  

33.Thoughtful/unexpected texts/messages 

34.Days off work with no plans  

35.Spontaneous shopping/treats for myself  

36.Hitting fitness personal bests (e.g. running, weightlifting)  

37.A family day free of plans  

38.Time for baking  

39.Unexpected visits from friends/family  

40.Traffic lights turning green as I approach them  

41.Unexpected meals cooked for me  

42.Buying fresh flowers for no occasion  

43.Public transport running on time  

44.Time to study / learn a new skill 

45.Time with my grandchildren  

46.Excuses to get dressed up  

47.Compliments from a stranger  

48.Praise at work  

49.Others picking up some of my household chores  

50.To thank others more