A significant number of Brits credit their morning rituals, such as meditation, exercise, and goal-setting, for starting their day on a positive note, according to a new study.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that activities like brushing teeth, taking a shower, cooking breakfast, and making the bed are among the least likely morning rituals to be skipped.
However, oversleeping is a major dislike for 32 percent of respondents, as it can lead to feelings of rush (31 percent), frustration (26 percent), and annoyance (23 percent) when they are unable to complete their morning routines.
While 43 percent of respondents stated that having a routine helps the rest of their day go smoothly, 38 percent claimed that it improves their focus. Additionally, 34 percent feel out of sync if they are unable to complete their regular rituals.
Mary Earps, England and Manchester United goalkeeper, who is collaborating with Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “Routines have been crucial to how I prepare for training and matches. We’re creatures of habit, and those little things we do each morning set ourselves up for success.”
The survey also revealed that 22 percent of participants wake up no later than 6 a.m. to ensure they can complete their morning rituals before starting work, which takes an average of 53 minutes.
Over half (53 percent) of respondents make an effort to stick to their morning routine even when away from home, such as staying in a hotel or a friend’s house.
When it comes to breakfast, half of the participants view it as the most important meal of the day, while 56 percent believe it helps them start the day on the right note. However, 33 percent admit to indulging in a lie-in and a hearty fry-up on weekends.
The study also found that 36 percent of respondents have incorporated more self-care into their morning routines, and 35 percent prioritize “me time” in the mornings. Mindful activities such as skincare routines (20 percent), meditation (14 percent), and positive affirmations in the mirror (12 percent) are also part of many individuals’ morning rituals.
Stephanie Atiase from Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, emphasized the importance of starting the day well, stating, “How you start your morning can dictate how the rest of your day follows. When you are on holiday or away for work, maintaining routines can be a challenge. That’s why we offer our guests the essentials to help them stay on track for a productive day.”
The study listed various activities that form part of Brits’ morning routines, including brushing teeth, having coffee or tea, taking a shower, making the bed, exercising, reading the news, and many others.