As Australia grapples with the effects of the pandemic, snap shutdowns, border closures and Melbourne’s fourth state lockdown, for many, there seems to be no end in sight. As we reflect on how the pandemic has shaped our lives and adjust to the ‘new normal’, the Moccona Me-Time Study reveals a new epidemic emerging with Australians struggling to find time for themselves; almost half the nation (45%) say they’re more stressed and anxious than ever before due to a lack of me-time.
Time poor Aussies juggling busy work schedules, family life and social commitments say they’re only getting an average of 32 minutes of me-time a day! The reality is Aussies need nearly 6x that amount, an average of over 3 hours more a day, to address daily chores and childcare needs in order to have enough time to themselves. Shockingly, one in ten (12%) Australians are getting less than an hour of me-time every week, that’s just over 8 minutes or less a day.
While many Aussies thought the pandemic would bring some much needed downtime, research shows how working from home and the pressure to go above and beyond, has resulted in an increase in working hours, with nearly two in five (38%) workers who say they have less me time now than before the pandemic, admitting this is because they are working more hours now than before COVID.
For Aussies ready to prioritise me-time, there are some big changes we’re willing to make. For working Aussies struggling to find balance, nearly a third (31%) would rather work a 40 hour week in four days to get Friday off and gain a much needed extra day to their weekend. For other Aussies, they’re willing to sacrifice TV (27%), chocolate (25%), their smartphone (23%), or going out with friends (20%) to get some more down time. One in five (19%) would even prefer to be stuck on a deserted island, just so they could get some quality time to themselves.
To support everyday Aussies in carving out more time for themselves, Moccona is launching a dedicated ‘Me-Time’ initiative. The nationwide search will see hundreds of deserving Australians rewarded with much-needed me-time in the form of a break. The initiative will invite Aussies to nominate themselves or someone else who is in need of some me-time, with those showing a commitment to helping others at the expense of their own precious time, really being recognized by Moccona.
Dominique Stichling, Marketing Manager at Moccona says, “Our research has shown us that Aussies are clearly in need of time to themselves, but our fast-paced lives mean we’re not making me-time our top priority.
“At Moccona, we know that many people enjoy a coffee for that ‘pause moment’ and much needed break from our busy lives, and after the year that’s been, it was important for us to go one step further and create an initiative that genuinely gives time back to those that need it the most.”
The research reveals the effect a lack of me-time is having on Australian’s physical and mental wellbeing, with three in five (58%) agreeing that downtime is important to their mental health. Whether it’s negatively impacting their mood (44%), interrupting sleeping patterns (41%) or resulting in an unhealthy diet (28%), not getting me-time is seriously disrupting our lives, with one in five (19%) saying they have felt on the edge of a nervous breakdown as a result of this time being eroded.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia’s leading psychologists says “The pandemic has disrupted our lifestyles in ways we could never have predicted and resulted in a serious spike in stress levels as Aussies are over committing their time, whether at work or in the home. Luckily, we have the power to drastically improve our wellbeing by carving out some time to ourselves with simple things like reading a book or meditating.
“It’s great to see brands like Moccona are starting the conversation about this important issue and through their initiative giving back ‘me-time’ in one of the most recognisable forms, a break.”
To win the Ultimate Moccona Me-Time Experience valued at $10,000 or one of hundreds of $400 Travel Vouchers, tell Moccona why you or someone you know deserves a little Me-Time at moccona.com.au/me-time-campaign.
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