News Release, 21 June 2005
On the longest day of the year, 21 June, the Mental Health Foundation releases the results of its survey, which explores what aspects of British summertime make us feel happier.
The charity heard from people up and down the country about how they feel about British summertime, what they rate as the best and worst aspects of summer and what they do differently during the season.
In the survey, 75 per cent of respondents said they feel happier during summertime, and 84 per cent find it easier to get out of bed in the morning. Overall, in summer we take more exercise, improve our diet, take more holiday time, and see more of our friends. But people from different parts of the UK have differing feelings about the best and the worst of the season.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says, “The important message underlying all this, is that many of the things we choose to do more of in summer, are central to looking after our mental health and helping us recover from mental health problems. Improving your diet, keeping active, socialising, having relationships, relaxing and taking holidays are things we can do all year round if we keep in mind their importance to mental wellbeing. We could all do with the opportunity to learn more about what keeps us feeling happy and mentally well – and the longest day is a good time to reflect on this.”
What do people like best about summertime?
When people were asked what three things they liked best about summer, respondents across the UK rated waking up to sunshine highly (70 per cent), longer days (65 per cent) and al-fresco dining (38 per cent).
While the Welsh rated BBQs more than any other region (50 per cent), people living in the West Midlands, are most likely to reach for the picnic basket (21 per cent).
People in the South West (32 per cent) are most likely to rate taking a trip to the seaside, compared to only 12 per cent in Scotland who are least likely to rate it. While people in the North East (48 per cent) are most likely to rate wearing summer clothes as one of the best things about British summertime (the Geordies were more likely than residents of any other region to rate seeing too much bare flesh as one of the worst things about summer, at 27 per cent). Those in the South East are the greatest fans of dining alfresco in restaurants and cafes (46 per cent).
What do people loathe most about summertime?
People in the South East rated travelling to work in the rush hour among the things they dislike more than any other region (50 per cent) whilst the Welsh were least likely to rate it as an annoyance (7 per cent). Going to work in the summer rated as a top frustration for almost two-thirds of people living in the UK (61 per cent) but those in the North East are most likely to resent it (80 per cent).
A third of those living and working in the South West are most annoyed by tourists visiting the sights (33 per cent). Hayfever is a drag for more people in Wales (58 per cent) than in any other region. Sweating was rated as the second worst thing about British summertime by people across the UK (55 per cent) but respondents from the West Midlands were most likely to rate perspiring among their top dislikes (65 per cent).
How does the summer affect our lifestyles?
41 per cent of respondents see more of their friends in the summertime. The majority of people in the UK take a holiday in summer (63 per cent) but those in the South West jet away in the winter more than anyone else (17 per cent).
More than half of all respondents claim to do more exercise in the summer (51 per cent) but the Welsh are keenest – almost three quarters of people from Wales (71 per cent) step up their physical activity when summer comes. Almost two thirds of people in the UK say that their diet improves (62 per cent), particularly for those in the South West (70 per cent) and North West (68 per cent). When it comes to alcohol, while most respondents do not drink anymore than usual in the summertime, 50 per cent of those in Wales and 25 per cent in the North East increase their consumption.
- Just over half (53 per cent) of the people questioned in the UK say that they feel sexier in the summer months, but those in the North East feel the sexiest (66 per cent)! And when it comes to love, 54 per cent of all respondents have enjoyed a summer romance – the Scots are the biggest romancers (56 per cent) compared to only 42 per cent of people in the North West.
And what gives us the extra time to fit in all this extra summer activity? One clue is that 70% of respondents said they watch more TV in winter than in Summer.
For more information on how to look after your mental health, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Ends
Return to news releases 2005
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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