By Marie Haaland // SWNS
Those who are more laid-back are adjusting better to quarantine life — and are more optimistic overall, new research found.
The survey of 2,000 Americans — split by those who move slowly, versus those who do things quickly — found respondents who take their time could not only adapt more easily to life at home (38% vs. 25%), but they were also more likely to see the bright side of situations.
Conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Crockpot for National Slow Cooking Month in January, the survey looked at a variety of personality differences between the two groups.
Results revealed those who take their time were more likely to consider themselves introverts, while those who move quickly identified most commonly as ambiverts.
The survey also delved into each group’s hobbies, and revealed fast-moving respondents were more likely to enjoy outdoorsy hobbies like gardening and hiking or camping.
While those who prefer to move slowly were more likely to enjoy hobbies like knitting or sewing, as well as baking.
The results also found some hobbies to be well-liked, regardless of their pace in life: 44% of each group selected cooking as one of their hobbies.
Enjoying to cook wasn’t the only thing respondents had in common: of all respondents, 71% said they use food and cooking as a way to connect with people.
Results revealed all respondents prefer connecting in small, intimate gatherings (49%), versus seeing friends in a larger setting (24%).
And they’re doing so more often, preparing an extra home-cooked meal per week on average since the pandemic began.
As a result, they’re also improving their cooking skills (67%), with slower-moving respondents more likely to agree their kitchen skills have improved during 2020 (71% vs. 55%).
“Whether you identify as someone who moves quickly or as someone who likes to take your time, giving ourselves some much-deserved grace by taking a moment to slow down and enjoy life is essential after the year we’ve just had,” said Chris Robins, CEO of the Appliances & Cookware business unit at Newell Brands. “Cooking up new recipes is one way to do this while at home – giving you the time to show yourself, your family and your friends some extra love.”
Unfortunately, not everyone has time to enjoy hobbies, like cooking, and fast-moving respondents were less likely to feel like they had enough time in their day for self-care and hobbies — 73%, versus 82% of their slow-moving counterparts.
When looking at differences between the two groups, the survey also found those who move slowly were more likely to take daily naps (27% vs. 19%) — and they were also more likely to be health-conscious (38% vs. 29%).
Interestingly enough, those who take their time were also more likely to report thriving under pressure, at 71% vs. 58%.
“Cooking is universally loved, and we’re thrilled to see more people pick up cooking as a hobby and trying our recipes. But we acknowledge that to some cooking can become overwhelming quickly,” said Robins. “Slow cooking is the perfect way to take the busyness and stress out of cooking, which leaves you with more time to hit that reset button and focus on your priorities — including more quality time with friends and family.”
RESPONDENTS WHO MOVE SLOWLY, VERSUS THOSE WHO MOVE QUICKLY
Respondents who take their time:
- More likely to be optimistic
- More likely to be adjusting to life at home during quarantine
- More likely to consider themselves introverts
- More likely to take daily naps
- Equally likely to enjoy cooking
Respondents who move more quickly:
- More likely to be spontaneous, kind and curious
- More likely to enjoy gardening and hiking/camping
- More commonly identified as ambiverts
- Less likely to feel they have enough time in their day for self-care and hobbies
- Equally likely to enjoy cooking
