“I need to do more exercise”, “I enjoy being lazy” and “I need to drink less alcohol” are among the lessons Brits have learnt about their health during lockdown.
A study of 2,000 adults found the pandemic has been a ‘real eye-opener’ for 42 per cent of adults – as far as their health is concerned.
Other revelations include, “I need a hearing test”, “I spend too much time sitting down” and “I need glasses”.
“I spend too much time looking at screens”, “I need to up my step count” and “I don’t drink enough water” are also among the nation’s realisations from the last few months.
The research, commissioned by Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care [https://scrivens.com/glasses/find-your-style/], also revealed nine in 10 have learnt something new about their health during recent months.
Despite this, half of those polled admitted they still don’t consider the impact of their lifestyle on their eye health at all.
This includes not taking into account how a poor diet could lead to diabetes or addressing the potential damage to their vision of looking at screens all day, with 57 per cent admitting they regularly suffer with eye strain.
A spokesman for Scrivens Opticians said: “The lockdown has been hard for everyone, but the silver lining is many people have had a chance to address things they hadn’t been able to until now – including how to take better care of oneself.
“They shouldn’t be hard on themselves – on the contrary, they should be kind to themselves and perhaps that’s how the findings should be seen.
“But it’s just as important to look after your eyes as it is your fitness or to have a healthy diet – in fact these aren’t mutually exclusive.”
The study also found 42 per cent have already taken steps to make improvements to their lifestyles – and 86 per cent of them are confident they will stick to their new regimes.
Further to this, a quarter think they have become healthier since the lockdown came into effect.
But, a fifth said their health has deteriorated in recent months.
Many of those polled have also come to the realisation they snack too much, need to go to bed earlier than they do currently and they should take dinner breaks away from their desks.
Similarly, other conclusions include needing to eat more fruit and vegetables, needing to drink less caffeine and having less reliance on their car so much.
But arguably the most important lesson learnt is that they need to look after themselves more.”
More than half of those polled claim they are more motivated than ever before to take better care of themselves.
However, many of those polled may need to reevaluate their approach to looking after their vision – especially those aged 55 plus.
Just 27 per cent of over 55s year-olds consider their eye health – compared to 44 per cent of 25-34 year-olds.
Those aged 55 and above are also marginally less likely than other age groups to wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors in the sun.
It also emerged that just a fifth of those in this age group are worried about the possible side effects of blue light on their vision – compared to half of those aged 18 to 24.
But a third of all adults don’t know what blue light is and aren’t aware of how it could impact eye health.
Further to this, three in 10 revealed they don’t have regular eye tests – in fact, the typical adult only has a check-up every three and a half years rather than the two recommended by opticians.
It also emerged almost half of those polled are apprehensive going for an eye test at the moment in the wake of the pandemic.
The Scrivens Opticians study carried out through OnePoll also found a quarter said they will actively avoid going for a check-up for the foreseeable future.
A spokesman for Scrivens Opticians added: “As we are spending much more time using screens to communicate with colleagues, friends and family the strain on our eyes is intense, so it’s vital that we give as much priority to booking an eye test as we do returning to the pub or getting a haircut.
“We have taken every possible precaution to make sure our stores are safe for customers and for staff members too.
“The changes made are in line with industry guidelines to deliver a professional, safe service which people can access with confidence.”
TOP 40 HEALTH LESSONS LEARNT
1. I need to do more exercise
2. I need to lose weight
3. I don’t drink enough water
4. I spend too much time sat down
5. I spend too much time looking at screens
6. I don’t sleep very well
7. I need to look after myself more
8. I need to be less stressed
9. I snack too much
10. I struggle to motivate myself
11. I enjoy being lazy
12. I need to eat more fruit and vegetables
13. I need to go to sleep earlier
14. I watch TV too much
15. I have a sweet tooth
16. I eat too much
17. I have bad posture
18. I need to do more to ensure sure I get at least eight hours of sleep a night
19. I need to take more time for myself
20. I need to up my step count
21. I need to drink less alcohol
22. I need to keep track of my calorie intake
23. I don’t need to use my car so much – I can walk or cycle to most places I need to get to
24. I get out of breath too easily
25. I should practise mindfulness
26. I need to be better at switching off from work when I’m not working
27. I need to drink less caffeine
28. I don’t like running
29. I need to work less
30. I need to make sure I take dinner breaks away from my desk
31. I order too many takeaways
32. I need glasses
33. I play too many video games
34. I need to stop smoking
35. I need a hearing test
36. I need to stop vaping
37. I can do without the gym
38. I can’t cope without the gym
39. I need to stretch more
40. Reading makes me feel better and I can’t get enough of it
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