By Zoya Gervis
New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com
NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC
Forty-one percent of those in a relationship would leave their partner if they didn’t allow them to have ‘me-time,' according to new research.
A new poll of 2,000 Americans found that of those in a relationship, 85% say getting time for yourself on a regular basis is the key to a healthy relationship.
Eighty-two percent report that getting the proper amount of ‘me-time’ actually makes their relationship stronger, with 58% saying they actively encourage their partners to spend time by themselves.
The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Elements Massage, examined the self-care routines and ‘me-time’ habits of 2,000 Americans and found that 'me-time' is one of their biggest big priorities.
According to the results, the ideal amount of 'me-time' is 51 minutes per day — or about six hours per week.
Funnily enough, having 'me-time' was actually found to be more important to Americans than having date nights with their partner.
Results also revealed that 83% of those surveyed believe they DESERVE self-care and ‘me-time.'
The top way to spend that precious alone time was found to be hitting the couch and watching TV and movies (60%).
Reading books (56%), listening to podcasts (42%) and exercising (38%) were also found to be popular 'me-time' activities.
“The holiday season is upon us and everyone is looking forward to the perfect gift to give their favorite person. But who needs another sweater or pair of socks? Most Americans have so much stuff that adding more actually gives us anxiety," said a spokesperson for Elements Massage. "The best things in life aren’t actually things at all. Which is why this holiday season, giving experiences to your loved ones is one of the best gifts you could get."
The survey showed that there are certain situations and circumstances in life that may trigger Americans to crave a little more 'me-time' than usual.
Half of those surveyed reveal stress at work makes them want to take more 'me-time' than they usually get.
Other reasons for people carving out more ‘me-time’ in their schedules include the holidays (47%), stress at home (47%), having family in town (45%), and lack of sleep (38%).
How do you spend your 'me-time?'
“Among the hustle and bustle of the holidays, a massage is the perfect way to take some time for yourself and remember what the season is all about,” added the spokesperson for Elements Massage.
TOP 10 LIFE PRIORITIES
- Spending quality time with family 57%
- ‘Me-time’ 46%
- Date nights with partner/spouse 45%
- Leisure time 41%
- Enjoying catch-ups with friends 39%
- Exercising 37%
- Getting enough sleep 35%
- Keeping the house clean 32%
- Work 31%
- Playing a sport I like 30%
TOP 10 ‘ME-TIME’ ACTIVITIES
- Watching TV or movie 60%
- Reading a book 56%
- Listening to a podcast 42%
- Exercising 38%
- Savoring a cup of coffee/tea 34%
- Having a meal alone 34%
- Going out dancing 33%
- Shopping 32%
- Going for a walk/leisurely stroll 32%
- Getting my hair done 31%
TOP 10 SITUATIONS/OCCASIONS THAT TRIGGER MORE ‘ME-TIME’
- Stress at work 50%
- The holidays 47%
- Stress at home 47%
- Having family in town 45%
- Lack of sleep 38%
- Being sick myself 36%
- A sick child 30%
- A death in the family 28%
- A sick partner/spouse 28%
- Getting fired 25%