Common chores are now a method of self-care for some Brits (Image: Getty)
Brits’ go-to methods of self-care include ironing, washing the car – and deep cleaning the bathroom. Alongside more traditional methods of looking after yourself like yoga and meditation a poll of 2,000 adults found many of their approaches didn’t involve looking after themselves at all.
For the majority of respondents (57%) the act of caring for something else, whether it’s an object or a living thing, is a form of self-care and plays a key role in supporting mental wellbeing, with cooking, gardening and having a pet featuring in the top 30.
The typical adult practices self-care four times a week, for just over three hours in total. This usually takes place after having a stressful day, or when they’re feeling particarly low. However, the main motivatior for most people is to have time alone.
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The research was commissioned to mark Mental Health Awareness Week by CASIO, makers of Moflin a smart companion powered by AI which has emotions like a living creature and is designed to help people of all ages relax.
Dr Zoe Williams, who teamed up with the smart companion to highlight the benefits of the care effect in daily routines, said self-care is ‘becoming more personal and less prescriptive’.
“Self-care doesn’t have to mean spa days or meditation,” she sadded, “it can be found in caring for something else, whether that’s a plant or a treasured object.
“This ‘Care Effect’ creates an external form of mindfulness, helping to calm the nervous system, clear the mind and restore a sense of balance.”
According to the research, most adults (89%) believe it’s important to teach children about practicing self-care from a young age to help encourage healthier sleep, hygiene and nutrition habits and to help them manage their emotions and stress. All of which can support better mental wellbeing.
Caring for something else can support our mental wellbeing (Image: PinPep)
A spokesperson for the CASIO, makers of Moflin, said: “As the study shows, looking after something else has major benefits to oneself.
“Whether that’s tending to your home, your car, or even a pet, these small acts can create a sense of calm and control, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming.
“There’s a real emotional reward in caring for something outside of yourself.”
The research showed 27% would be ‘interested’ in using AI as part of their self-care regime to provide comfort and air emotional regulation.
The market for emotionally supportive AI is projected to grow from approximately £666 million in 2022 to £2.2 billion by next year, according to industry figures.
TOP 30 MOST POPULAR SELF-CARE METHODS
- Going for a walk
- Reading
- Listening to music/podcasts
- Having a bath or long shower
- Doing absolutely nothing (resting)
- Exercising (gym/home workout)
- Skincare / beauty routine
- Having a lie‑in
- Watching “trash TV” / reality TV
- Gardening (including mowing, weeding, potting plants)
- Hair appointment / nails appointment
- Tidying/decluttering a room
- Cooking a meal from scratch
- Laughing at memes / scrolling funny content
- Yoga / stretching
- Meditation / breathing exercises
- Looking after a pet (feeding, grooming, walking, training)
- Watering/looking after indoor plants
- Baking
- Cutting/filing your nails at home
- Making the bed / changing bedding
- Doing DIY repairs (small fixes around the house)
- Organising cupboards/wardrobes
- Deep cleaning (e.g., bathroom/kitchen)
- Doing laundry / folding clothes
- Meal prepping for the week
- Journalling
- Washing/cleaning the car
- Polishing/cleaning household items (e.g., surfaces, silver, shoes)
- Ironing