That time of year where most people take on New Years resolutions from dieting, to getting fit or picking up new hobbies is fast approaching.
According to research carried out by Permanent TSB, getting more exercise, healthier eating, taking care of mental health and sorting out finances are the most popular New Year resolutions for 2023 among people in Ireland.
The research found 81% of people already have their New Year resolutions in mind, with changes aimed at improving our lifestyle through and through.
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The top resolution related to losing weight, getting fit or improving diet, and were followed by:
- Sort out finances and cut back on spending
- Take better care of mental health
- Spend more time with family and friends
In terms of behavioural changes in the New Year, there is widespread support for kicking bad habits and self-improvement:
- 70% plan to stop impulse buying of sweets and soft drinks
- 58% will drink less alcohol and 57% of smokers plan to quit or to cut back.
In terms of looking after our day-to-day health and wellbeing in 2023:
- 61% of people plan to exercise more
- 54% plan to structure their evenings better so they can go to bed earlier and get more sleep
- 54% are planning to change their diet and eat more healthy foods
The research shows a strong awareness of the importance of mental health, with 31% planning to set aside more time for spending with family and friends and 47% deciding to get out and about and spend more time experiencing nature.
Other planned changes that are popular include listening to more music and taking natural health supplements.
But there is only very limited support for other changes, such as spending less time on social media or more time on hobbies, education or travel.
Meanwhile, one in six people say they are happy with what they are doing in 2022 and plan to make no changes at all in 2023.
Speaking about the results of the research, Leontia Fannin, Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Permanent TSB, said: “Our research shows a huge proportion of people are approaching 2023 in the spirit of making things better – looking after their bodies, their minds and their relationships. While we all have experience of New Year resolutions falling by the wayside after a few days or a few weeks, it’s really positive to see so many people committing to making changes that can often be really difficult, but worth it in in the end.”
Meanwhile, Claire Cogan, a behavioural scientist, said: “This is traditionally a time where we take stock and prepare for the year ahead, and our research shows that people are focused on looking after their health and wellbeing in the widest sense and building their resilience for any challenges ahead.
“People have a good sense of what contributes to overall wellbeing, from diet and exercise to nurturing relationships and good financial wellbeing.
“The key is to try and make our good intentions stick, and one way to do this is to frame them in a positive way.
“Focus on what you want to do or achieve, rather than on what you want to give up or avoid.”
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