London, Oct 19 : A long soak in the bath, an afternoon nap or a leisurely stroll in the park – these are the things that make us and even the lottery millionaires most happy, according to a new research.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found that it's the simple things in life that impact most positively on our sense of happiness.

According to lead researcher Dr Richard Tunney, of the university's school of psychology, happy people liked the free and easy treats, while those who described themselves as less happy or unsatisfied opted for CDs, DVDs and meals out.

The study, commissioned by the National Lottery, compared the 'happiness levels' of lottery jackpot winners with a control group. Respondents were asked how satisfied they were in relation to different elements of their life, their different mood states explored, how often they treated themselves and what form this took.

Results showed that it wasn't the flashy cars and diamond jewellery that boosted the jackpot winners' happiness quotient. Rather it was listening to music, reading a book, or enjoying a bottle of wine with a takeaway that really made the difference.

"It appears that spending time relaxing is the secret to a happy life. Cost-free pleasures are the ones that make the difference,” the Telagraph quoted Dr Richard Tunney, of the university's school of psychology, as saying. (ANI)