More than half of Brits want to change their lifestyle for better health and wellbeing

More than half of Brits want to completely change how they live, by improving their health and wellbeing, spending more time outside and reducing screentime. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed of the 51% who want to make a change, saving money, eating healthier and appreciating the small things were among the top ways of doing so.

Bored Brits want to start exercising more often, moving house and even learning a language but others simply want to slow down and spend more time reading. Despite wanting to make a change, 38% admitted they find it difficult to alter their daily routines and have turned to their European neighbours for inspiration. Of all the European countries, Brits would like to adopt aspects of the Italian lifestyle the most (24%) followed by Spain (19%) and France (14%).

A spokesperson for Italian drinks brand Disaronno, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s hard to beat the ‘Dolce Vita’ way of life. It’s interesting to see how much people are open to altering their day-to-day lives and take different characteristics from other countries.

“Whether it’s making changes to their exercise regime, financial habits or the way they shop, small tweaks to lifestyles can have a big impact on our moods, confidence and relationships.”

The research also found the top reasons for wanting to adopt aspects of European lifestyles were for better weather (42%), a slower lifestyle (40%) and more time outdoors (38%).

Others are seeking more time dedicated to family (32%), friends (14%) and a variety of food options (32%) due to inspiration from countries outside of the UK.

Similarly, 67% would like to live the ‘Dolce Vita’ lifestyle and associate the phrase with the best things in life (28%) and Italian culture (26%).

Instead, 62% think they currently spend too much of their time looking at screens, with 12% of those who want to make changes to their lifestyle wanting to cut back on this.

Being stuck in the same routine and not having enough money was a limitation to change for 27%, while for 22% it was lack of motivation.

Despite this, 72% of those polled, via OnePoll.com, felt making tweaks to their approach in life was important. With 28% who are interested in a lifestyle change wanting to be happier, while 19% long to make the most of their days.

When it comes to the biggest influences for a routine switch, friends (24%) were ranked highest, followed closely by family (23%) and social media (23%).

Disaronno’s spokesperson added: “It can be the smallest things in life that bring us joy.

“The Italian culture – of which many Brits are keen to take some inspiration from – prioritises family, treats food as a ritual and encourage simple pleasures without guilt.

“Although we don’t have the lovely European weather, we can adopt the dolce side of life. Slowing down on purpose is something the Italian’s value and we could learn from, as well as living a ‘good life’ full of pleasure and indulgence.”