Brits are struggling to juggle their self-care with daily duties, as new research shows Britons spend just 40 minutes a day on personal care.
The figures emerged from a study of 2,000 UK adults, which showed that nearly half neglect sufficient time for health-boosting activities such as exercising or unwinding with favourite TV programmes.
The survey was conducted by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, who is drumming up participation for its MoonWalk challenge, an overnight fundraising walk through London on May 17.
Nina Barough CBE, founder and chief executive of the charity, expressed her thoughts: “It’s so important to make time for yourself. It’s clear that even small acts of self-care, such as going for a walk or eating healthily, can have a big impact on our wellbeing.”
She added: “Prioritising these moments shouldn’t feel like a luxury, but rather an essential necessity in our busy lives. Taking time for yourself helps to boost mood, build resilience, and improve overall quality of life.”
While 90% acknowledge the importance of caring for oneself, family obligations and job pressures were flagged as the top barriers preventing people from doing so. As a result, many see self-care as an indulgence they simply cannot afford.
The recent study has highlighted that 21% of people often feel guilty for prioritising their own needs over others. It was found that a staggering 53% of participants rarely or never refuse requests from others to focus on their own needs.
This was despite the fact 54% believe that doing so would actually enhance their relationships.
With that said, many individuals are discovering ways to integrate self-care into their everyday routines. Engaging in physical activities is seen as highly beneficial, with 82% reporting an uplift in mood and mental health.
Walking is the preferred choice for 57% of those surveyed, serving as an effective method to improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Additional self-care practices include valuing sleep (46%), reading for leisure (42%), and eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables (37%).
Barough empahised the significance of taking deliberate actions towards personal care saying: “Looking after yourself isn’t selfish, it’s important. When we take care of our wellbeing, we feel better and can also help others more effectively.”
She elaborated on the various forms of self-care, stating: “From taking five minutes out or going for a lunchtime walk to enjoying bigger experiences or challenges. Taking time for yourself is an easy but powerful way to stay balanced in a busy life.”
