Today is the happiest day of the year according to Cliff Arnall's maths formula
By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor
Last Updated: 6:23AM BST 20/06/2008 | Comments 6 | Have Your Say
June 20 is the happiest day of the year according to a maths formula worked out by an academic.
A family enjoy a picnic on the beach
O + (N xS) + Cpm/T + He says today is the happiest day of the year
Apparently the feeling of optimism caused by the combination of lighter evenings, the prospect of holidays and memories of childhood summers is at its peak on June 20.
According to the research this has been worked out using the equation O + (N xS) + Cpm/T + He.
O stands for being outdoors and outdoor activity, N is connection with nature, which is in full bloom now, S is socialisation with neighbours and friends, Cpm stands for childhood positive memories, T is the mean temperature which is now usually warm, and He is holiday expected.
But the equation does not take into account the gloomy forecasts for the British economy, fears caused by falling house prices, rising inflation and stagnating pay rises, England not playing in the Euro 2008 and a damper than normal start to the summer.
The formula was compiled by Cliff Arnall, a psychologist and former tutor at Cardiff University who said the main aim is to 'get people talking about what makes them happy'.
Mr Arnall, who was commissioned by Walls Ice Cream to carry out the study, also calculates the most depressing day of the year which is normally around the end of January which is based on the weather, debt after Christmas, time since Christmas and motivational levels and days to pay day.