Four in 10 Brits say self-care is a ‘luxurious they cannot afford’

Four in 10 Brits say self-care is a ‘luxurious they cannot afford’

A new study has found that Brits spend just 40 minutes a day on self-care activities, with almost half of adults feeling like they don’t dedicate enough time to looking after themselves

Two young women out for a walk in the countryside
Almost half say work commitments mean they rarely get time to themselves(Image: Getty Images)
Two senior female friends walking in the park together, laughing and smiling.
Nine in 10 recognised that self-care is important for boosting their physical and mental wellbeing(Image: Getty Images)

The research was commissioned by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk which is encouraging sign-ups to its Moonwalk challenge in London on 17th May.

The charity’s founder and chief executive, Nina Barough CBE, said: “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.”

“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.”

The research highlighted that 17% of participants are unhappy with how they balance self-care with other responsibilities. However, they are trying finding ways to fit self-care into their busy lives.

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Exercise is a key activity, with 82% saying it boosts their mood and mental wellbeing. Walking is a popular choice for 57% of respondents, as it improves physical and emotional health.

Other self-care habits include getting enough sleep, reading to unwind, and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Barough stressed the need to take deliberate action to prioritise personal wellbeing, 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.”

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She added: “This is why we create the challenges we do; it’s a great way to not only encourage people to spend a little more time on themselves, but we know that doing things for others positively impacts our own health and wellbeing.”

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