Smile expert who graduated UEA offers help to cheer us up in lockdown
She's even suggested we should all have two birthdays next year!
A smile expert who graduated from the University of East Anglia is urging us all to enjoy the little things during lockdown.
The last year has been difficult for everyone and now new research shows the first thing 53% of us want to is see our family and friends again.
Katherine Templar-Lewis is a happiness and wellness scientist and has a suggestion of something we can all look forward to.
She said:
"I think if there's been one good thing to come out of this, it's that understanding of small moments of connection.
"People aren't missing the big things - they're missing those moments with friends and celebrations. Weddings, birthdays, seeing new babies, that is what people are missing.
"I think everyone should have two birthdays next year - that would be my rule!"
It seems that most of us (53%) are most excited to meet up with family and friends again and eat out in restaurants.
After that, travelling is high on the list with 49% of us saying we can't wait to get out again - and a third of people say they are excited to be able to make last-minute plans again.
On average, we have each missed five Birthday celebrations, 40% of us have missed a wedding, and 38% have gone without meeting a new baby in their family or friendship group, according to new research from Krispy Kreme.
We often forget that something as simple as a smile can have such a huge impact on someone. They say it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.
However, it’s not always the easiest thing to do, especially after a long and stressful day or being in a national lockdown during a pandemic.
But Katherine says we should all do what we can to help put a smile on our own and others' faces.