A new study reveals 28 percent of people claim they hardly ever feel truly relaxed and at peace, with a further 23 percent admitting they are constantly distracted and find it difficult to live in the moment.
But according to the poll, 61 percent claim there are still things in modern life which are good for the soul, making them feel instantly better.
Telling someone you love them came top of the list (50 percent) while watching loved ones get the giggles came in close second (48 percent).
Looking at the stars at night (39 percent), taking a country walk (37 percent) and watching waves crash on a beach (33 percent) also featured, as did forgiving someone (47 percent).
Almost a third (32 percent) said a proper cup of tea was good for their soul, while 23 percent admitted that rubbing a dog’s belly gave them a warm glow.
Also, on the list was losing yourself in a good book (27 percent), having a candle lit bubble bath (20 percent) and listening to the sweet sound of birdsong (27 percent).
The research, by LÄRABAR, found that three in ten said living in the moment was good for their soul, and 28 percent claim that being mindful grounds them and makes them feel peaceful.
While 41 percent said that being around positive people was the key to nurturing their soul.
The research also found that three in ten Brits admit they NEVER properly relax (28 percent), while 23 percent confess they find it hard to be truly present in their lives.
And a whopping 39 percent admit they spend most of their time feeling anxious about the future, while 23 percent find themselves worrying about the past.
While 24 percent said that even when they were doing things they should be enjoying – such as being on holiday or spending time with their family – their minds were on other things.
Yet one in two of the 1500 polled said that going outside with a walk makes them feel like they’re getting back to nature (53 percent) and 42 percent say soaking in a hot bath relaxes their mind and body.
Meanwhile over a third (36 percent) said spending time in the garden helped them feel grounded, and a quarter admitted that cooking and baking calmed their minds and helped put them in the present moment.
Dr Becky Spelman, who worked with LÄRABAR on the research said: “It’s really interesting to see from the research how many people find it hard to relax and live in the present. With everyday life busier than ever before, more of us are turning to the simple things in life – like gardening, cooking, and watching a sunset – which allow us to be mindful. In fact many of us would like to carve out more time to unwind during everyday life, so it’s no surprise that the nation has chosen a full list of activities which are ‘good for the soul’, from enjoying a long soak in the bath, a walk in the countryside or a good cup of tea”.
“Mindfulness is a technique that is of proven usefulness in treating a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, from managing grief and bereavement to learning how to overcome chronic problems with anger control or anxiety.
One of the great things about mindfulness is that it is easy to acquire a basic knowledge of how it works, and how to engage in it. Even taking some time to focus on the moment during one’s daily train or bus commute, or for five minutes in your car in the car park before and after work, can make a big difference to your overall mental and emotional health.”
The data found that only one in ten said they had regular me-time (15 percent), while 21 percent said they often put plans in place to help them relax and unwind, but then never had time to implement them.
Barriers to relaxation included needing to do housework and chores (50 percent), feeling too tired to do anything (46 percent) and even spending too much time thinking about work, even when they aren’t working (23 percent).
The research even revealed that 36 percent say they NEVER relax – as they always have something on their mind – yet 41 percent of Brits are constantly striving to live a more mindful life.
In fact, three in 10 admit that the COVID-19 pandemic has made them become more mindful, while trying to live in the present moment more.
Adrienne Burke, Marketing Manager at General Mills, said: “Mindfulness is at the heart of everything that LÄRABAR stands for and it is really interesting to see that our research has uncovered that it’s the simple things that really make us feel great. Living in the moment truly is good for the soul and making mindful choices in modern life can instantly make you feel better, which is why we want to inspire the nation and make it easier to live more intentional lives by helping people to eat clean, get active and be present knowing that every choice, big or small matters.
Illustrator Gemma Correll, who collaborated with LÄRABAR on a series of drawings to promote mindfulness added: “Drawing has always been such a great way for me to express and deal with everyday stresses and to centre myself, so it is fantastic to be able to share this knowledge with a brand that perfectly aligns with my ethos. It is also so important to remember that a sound mind and body are derived from food in its simplest state, which LÄRABAR delivers perfectly.”
The study found that Leeds is the mindfulness capital of the UK, with 80 percent of residents saying they lived most of their lives in the present. Second on the list was London (78 percent), and third was Manchester (74 percent).
For tips on how to be more mindful from illustrator Gemma Correll, renowned for her humorous yet insightful drawings showcasing everyday anxieties, please visit www.Larabar.co.uk
40 THINGS THAT ARE GOOD THE SOUL:
- Telling someone you love them and really meaning it 50%
- Seeing your loved ones laugh hysterically 48%
- Forgiving someone 47%
- Doing a good deed and expecting nothing back 44%
- Being around positive people 41%
- Looking at the stars 39%
- A long walk in the countryside 37%
- Smiling at a stranger and getting a smile back 37%
- Putting your phone on silent 35%
- Being kind to yourself 34%
- Freshly cleaned sheets on the bed 33%
- Watching waves crash onto a beach 33%
- A cup of tea 32%
- Buying a spontaneous gift for someone 31%
- Living in the moment 30%
- A long chat with a friend 30%
- Practicing mindfulness 28%
- Listening to birdsong 27%
- Cooking and eating healthy meals 27%
- Losing yourself in a book 27%
- Gardening 25%
- Dancing around your kitchen with friends 25%
- Rubbing a dog’s belly 23%
- A full body massage 22%
- An early night 21%
- Turning your phone off 21%
- Your first stretch in the morning 21%
- An afternoon nap 20%
- Walking barefoot on grass 20%
- A bubble bath with candles 20%
- Being able to lend someone money when they need it 19%
- Getting off a plane and feeling the warmth hit you 17%
- Climbing to the top of a big hill 15%
- Playing a board game with my family 14%
- Eating a big bowl of pasta 12%
- Sorting out your cupboards 12%
- A cold glass of champagne 12%
- Journaling or writing in a diary 12%
- Going for a run 12%
- Painting 10%
