As we wave goodbye to 2021 and welcome the new year with open arms, new research from LloydsPharmacy has found that Brits will be prioritizing their health and wellbeing in 2022. So much so, that 54 percent have shifted their resolution priorities entirely, due to changes experienced in recent years.
A new view on mental health
The past two years have been difficult for many, and its recent survey showed that almost half of Brits (48 percent) are more concerned about their health than previous years, with 52 percent worried about their mental health – including depression, stress or burnout – and 41 percent admitting that they need a mental health boost.
In addition to mental health, nearly half (42 percent) are worried about longer term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and overall physical health. And, when it comes to physical health, exercising more (51 percent), having a healthier diet (46 percent), and getting more sleep (37 percent) are improvements adults intend to make in coming months.
January is often a time that many look to kick a habit and of the quarter (25 percent) of respondents who smoke, half (50 percent) will try to stop – with the hope that changing routines (52 percent), distracting themselves with exercise (48 percent) or even going cold turkey (46 percent) will allow them to kick the habit.
A new mindset on money
The survey found that health will now dictate how Brits spend their money going forward in 2022, with nearly half (43 percent) intending to spend more on themselves this year, because they feel they’ve neglected their health and wellbeing in the past. To improve their overall health and wellbeing moving forward, they plan to spend more than double on themselves compared to previous years – including splurging on things like weekend breaks, home DIY developments and vitamins, due to feelings of restriction and wanting to make up for lost time (41 percent).
2022 – the new year of motivation
In the past five years, Brits who have made resolutions have typically broken them within the second week of January (13th January), but this year things are looking more promising. More than a third (37 percent) of those surveyed are motivated to make longer lasting changes this year, with 17 percent driven by their increased spend on themselves.
Additionally, a huge 64 percent admit with every year that passes, they realize the value of their health more.
Victoria Steele, Chief Superintendent Pharmacist at LloydsPharmacy, said: “The results have really identified a noticeable shift in intentions. Of course, the old classics of eating better and doing more exercise are always on people’s lists, however, the research has shown a desire to focus more on the things that will better their mental and physical health. It also shows a willing to spend a bit more money to ensure they lead happier lives – whether it’s on products that can help or experiences like a holiday.
“It has been a strange few years, but it does feel like it’s time to turn the corner and be able to say hello to a fitter, happier, healthier, you.”
Behavioral change expert, Dr Heather McKee, said: “Given the uncertainty we have experienced in the last few years, it fills me with excitement knowing people’s intentions are shifting more towards investing in what’s going to make them feel both physically and mentally healthier, as we move into 2022.
The research findings are very hopeful, as they reflect what we know from behavioral science to be the most effective way in supporting us to create long lasting, healthy habits. They demonstrate that we value our health now more than ever and want to protect our long-term well-being because of how we wish to feel in the future and reap the rewards of the healthy living we practice now. These types of motivations are known as intrinsic motivation. Behavioral science research shows that if we pursue our habits based on these intrinsic reasons – because we wish to invest in ourselves and our well-being – we are more likely to be successful at making long-term changes.”
TOP 10 THINGS BRITS WILL SPEND MORE MONEY ON IN 2022 THAN PREVIOUS YEARS:
- Weekend breaks
- Travelling
- Holidays abroad
- Home renovations
- Self-development
- Entertainment – including gigs, films and events
- Health products – including vitamins
- Clothes
- Cars
- Gym memberships
Michael Brigo thinks we shouldn’t be setting resolutions at all. Here’s WHY NOT TO SET A NEW YEAR’S FITNESS RESOLUTION