The TV presenter was up against the clock to get everything on her Christmas shopping list
Fearne Cotton takes on Christmas shopping challenge
Fearne Cotton found herself in a festive flurry as she battled against time to finish her Christmas shopping.
The TV presenter and author had a list of 20 Christmas tasks to complete – including buying wrapping paper, tape, batteries, children’s pyjamas, and presents for friends and family. Her every move was monitored with a smart device to track activity levels, heart rate, and overall wellness habits.
Starting off with a self-proclaimed ‘really good’ energy score of 80, Fearne managed to tick off her entire shopping list in less than 2 hours, clocking up more than 8,356 steps in the process.
It comes after a study of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed that crowded shops and long queues (34 per cent) and trying to find the ‘perfect’ gift (28 per cent) are the most stressful aspects of the festive season.
In fact, 33 per cent have even lost sleep due to worrying about everything they need to get done during December.
Fearne Cotton, who partnered with Samsung Galaxy Ring for the experiment, said: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year – I love how magical it is for the kids – but it can be stressful and my routine can really take a hit.”
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“From hitting the shops to decorating the tree, there are plenty of ways to still stay healthy and make time for relaxation. I recently started tracking my energy levels, activity, and sleep which has helped keep me accountable with my wellness, especially in the Christmas hustle,” she added.
“Remember, the holidays should be a time to enjoy yourself, so it’s important not to feel guilty if you’re not dedicating as much time to your usual routines, as chances are the Christmas to-do list is keeping you active.”
The research uncovered that wrapping pressies (21 per cent), rustling up grub for a crowd (17 per cent) and handling tricky relatives (16 per cent) rank high on the list of Christmas stress triggers.
A whopping two thirds admit they’re more frazzled during the festive period than any other time, with 25 per cent consciously trying to put their wellbeing first.
To help manage their stress, 41 per cent jot down their tasks, 35 per cent stick to a budget, and a savvy 25 per cent get a jump on their schedule. Meanwhile, 31 per cent keep fit and munch on healthy eats, and 30 per cent make sure they catch enough Zs to stay on top of their game.
Of those braving the shops, 62 per cent want to look out and handle their presents before paying for them, and 36 per cent are there for the Christmassy vibes.
But finding a parking space (24 per cent), braving the cold and wet weather (22 per cent), and navigating packed high streets (22 per cent) are the top challenges, according to the study.
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The research, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed that nearly half (49 per cent) would be more inclined to do their Christmas shopping in person if it contributed to their wellness.
Annika Bizon, from Omnichannel & Head of Ireland – MX Division, Samsung UK, commented: “We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves at Christmas time. From pleasing everyone around us to wanting the festivities to run seamlessly, it’s easy to feel like your wellness has become a second priority.
“With the help of technology, we can keep track of how active we’re being, even during the Christmas shop, and feel reassured that we’re meeting wellness goals.”
MOST STRESSFUL THINGS ABOUT CHRISTMAS:
1. Crowded stores and long queues
2. Finding the “perfect” gift
3. Feeling like I have too much to do
4. Wrapping piles of gifts
5. Last-minute shopping panic
6. Cooking for large groups of people
7. Pressure to attend social events
8. Dealing with difficult family members
9. Trying not to overindulge
10. Falling out of my routine
11. Not getting enough sleep
12. Managing the logistics of travelling between places
13. Pressure to keep up with holiday traditions
14. Keeping up the magic for the kids
15. Deciding whether to ‘splurge’ on a gift
16. Not having enough time to exercise
17. Deciding who hosts Christmas dinner
18. Making sure the kids don’t find their gifts early
19. Finding Secret Santa gifts for colleagues
20. Convincing your child that 3am is too early to wake up on the big day
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