26% of Brits are feeling just as, or even more stressed than they did last year
Research commissioned by Travelzoo has found that 26% of Brits are feeling just as, or even more stressed than they did last year, despite 64% wanting to make their health and wellness a priority. The research was commissioned ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week which takes place from 13 – 19th May 2019. Stress has become so rife that it is taking over many lives, that is why action must be taken to ensure that people get the help they need. This can be a combination of things, such as mental health therapy, the use of cannabis tinctures, physical activity, the list goes on. As long as there are people out there who are suffering, help is always a priority.
The leading publisher of travel and experience deals surveyed more than 1,400 British travellers, finding that 88% of respondents think mental wellbeing is just as important as physical wellbeing, with 62% believing that social media has a detrimental effect on society’s mental wellbeing and 25% saying it has a detrimental effect on their own mental wellbeing.
However, Brits are determined to focus more on their health and wellness this year compared to last (64%), with almost half (46%) concentrating on their mental health in 2019.
‘Getting away from it all’ is a tried and tested remedy to combat stress and 90% of respondents stated that a holiday or short break had a positive effect on their mental health. In fact, there has been a 20% increase in Brits taking specific wellness trips since 2015* and 79% of the survey participants were interested in taking a wellness break or holiday in 2019. A multi-day getaway or weekend break within a short drive of home is the most popular type of wellness break sought out by stressed-out Brits (77%), followed by a holiday that has multiple days dedicated to wellness activities (41%) and those really looking to de-stress were drawn towards week-long immersive retreats (37%). Some people with more serious stress-related mental disorders were even looking into a mental health retreat in Thailand like The Diamond because then they can get away to solely focus on improving their mental health and taking time away from the stresses of work and life. It’s not just about going on holiday, taking time out from the daily grind on a spa day or day out can contribute towards our own wellness.
In response to the findings, Travelzoo is launching ‘May is For Me’ to highlight the importance of health and wellness, launching a dedicated microsite in May featuring a wide range of wellness and wellbeing themed breaks and deals. Travelzoo is working with James Wallman, author of Time and How to Spend It, as a spokesperson for the campaign. The book contains a science-built seven-rule checklist for spending your time in ways that’ll reduce stress and anxiety, and lead to happy, resilient success instead.
James Clarke, General Manager Travelzoo UK commented “The concept of a wellness break is no longer seen as a passing trend. Mental and physical wellness is being incorporated into so many aspects of people’s lives; from the working environment, to how they eat, socialise and of course spend their leisure time. Having analysed the results of our research, we have worked with our partners to create offers that will leave people feeling rejuvenated and revived both mentally and physically. We have lots planned in the wellness space and ‘May is for Me’ is just the beginning.”
James Wallman, bestselling author of Time and How to Spend It said ‘We live in extraordinary times: in some ways, the best and worst of times. Our modern society has made many millions of us cash rich yet feeling time poor. And, as this research from Travelzoo UK highlights, it’s making us anxious and stressed. While in the US and Canada citizens can legally smoke a cannabis product, like this nuken strain, cannabis is not legal in the UK so Brits need to find a different way to take care of their mental well being. The good news is that people now realise that they need to look after their mental health as well as their physical health. And, while full strength cannabis may not be legal, the non-addictive CBD is legal so people may be able to find some relief from anxiety through products like this private label coffee, as well as the many other CBD products that are out there. Taking a wellness break – especially if you look to tick some of the boxes in the STORIES checklist that’s at the heart of Time and How To Spend It – is a great way to do this.’
Stay at the brand-new luxury Longevity Health and Wellness Hotel in Southern Algarve for five nights from just £349 per person including accommodation and flights. Guests will have access to state-of-the-art wellbeing facilities including two indoor pools, a sauna, fitness room and cutting-edge health programme. The price also includes daily breakfast, access to the Longevity Vitality Activity plan including daily group activities such as yoga, Pilates, stretching, core training, Tone & Fit, Jump, fit ball and a range of walks, one wellness evaluation, entry to the detox and relax wet area which includes an infrared sauna, hammam, ice fountain, Epson salt room, sensation showers, relaxing room, relax walking path and indoor heated Himalayan salt detox pool, plus one detox bath per person per stay. Book by 8th May for travel between 20th September – 16th December 2019.
Stay overnight at the relaxing Cedar Falls Health Farm surrounded by forty-four acres of secluded woodland in Somerset. The relaxation deal costs £97 per person and includes dinner, bed and breakfast, full use of the luxury spa facilities and one round of golf on the 18-hole course.
Nepal 10-night guided tour including yoga retreat
Spend 10 nights exploring the spiritual country of Nepal including a two-night yoga retreat in the mountains of Pokhara, one of Nepal’s top yoga destinations. The trip costs from £1,399 per person and includes return flights, shared transfers, five nights at the Rama Inn Boutique Home, Kathmandu, two night at Sadhana Yoga Retreat Centre, Pokhara, one night at Mount View Pokhara, two nights at Hotel Jungle Crown, Chitwan, one night at Osho Tapoban, Kathmandu, 10 breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners. Available to book now for travel on selected dates in June, July September and December 2019 and May 2020.
Cornwall spa day with afternoon tea and spa
Spend the day relaxing at Polurrian Bay Hotel, located on a clifftop giving stunning views of the Lizard Peninsula. Your day visit will include a spa day for one with the choice of a 60-minute facial, 60-minute-deep-tissue massage or a combination of both treatments. Full use of the spa facilities and afternoon tea for just £49 per person. This deal is valid daily until 30th June 2019.
For more information, visit Travelzoo.com