How many of us rush from one day into the next, never once stopping to take a breath and appreciate the world around us? If you fall into this category, you need to listen up to the latest message from Cancer Research UK.

 

According to a new survey carried out by the health watchdog, a staggering one-fifth of Brits have an hour or less to themselves on a typical week day. And if you find that statistic shocking, spare a thought for the 5% of respondents who claimed to have absolutely no time to themselves. Zero. Zilch!

 

The concerning statistics were released this week as part of Cancer Research’s ‘Spot Cancer Sooner’ campaign, which is encouraging people to take the time each day to look after their health, and raising awareness on the importance of early cancer diagnosis.

 

Early diagnosis goes hand-in-hand with spotting the signs, of course, and central to picking up on any potential health problems is getting to know your body and taking the time to listen to what it is telling you.

 

 

Stuck for ideas on how to take some ‘me time’? Here are some top suggestions.

 

1. Watch your favourite programme

Who doesn’t love sinking into the couch with a steaming mug of tea, taking in the latest episode of your favourite show? As it turns out, this is quite the popular mode of relaxation, with 72% of those surveyed counting it as their ‘me time’ activity of choice.

 

2. Read a book

There is nothing quite like kicking back with a good book – whether it’s your favourite classic or the hottest new bestseller – to transport you into another world. It seems that reading is one of Britain’s ultimate ‘me time’ activities, too, with 48% of survey respondents listing it among their go-to modes of relaxation.

 

3. Do some odd jobs

It might come as a surprise, but doing odd jobs around the house – nothing too laborious, of course – can often prove the perfect way to get away from the madness and hop into your own world. Whether it’s cooking, baking or a spot of interior decorating you have in mind, you’re in good company – 43% of respondents in this survey chose housework as the perfect way of getting in some ‘me time’.

 

4. Chill with friends and family

Whether you’re enjoying a spot of lunch or dinner, or just having a cuppa around the house; hanging out with your loved ones is always a great way to spend your time out – and it’s little wonder that 40% of the survey-takers agreed.

 

5. Do a spot of exercise

It might be a full session at the gym or just a walk down the road, but getting in a spot of exercise is a great way to spend your ‘me time’. Not only is exercise great for your health, but it will also clear your head of all those worries.

 

Commenting on the overarching message of the Spot Cancer Sooner campaign, the organisation’s health information manager, Sarah Williams said: “Making time for your health, like telling the doctor if you notice something different about your body, is really important.  Usually it’s nothing to worry about, but spotting cancer sooner could save your life.”

Latest

Trending