Whether it was hurricanes, rising fuel costs or general unease about the economy, a majority of Americans (56 percent) said that they experienced more stress in 2005 than they did in 2004, according to the "New Year, New You" Study, a national telephone survey of 1,000 U.S. adults sponsored by Brookstone. The study indicated that Americans are adopting new methods, such as massage therapy, for reducing stress and relaxing.
With stress at high levels, three out of four Americans (75 percent) said that their 2006 New Year’s resolutions will focus on taking better care of themselves and establishing a better work / life balance.
"Compared to 2004, 2005 was more difficult for most people across the country," says Robert Padgett, a spokesman for Brookstone, Inc., the product development company and specialty retailer. "Whether they live in cities, suburbs or the heartland, Americans lead very hectic lives. With each New Year, Americans try to set new improvement goals and get rid of bad habits. We found Americans want to take better care of themselves in 2006."
The study also found that a majority of Americans believe that massage is an effective way to relieve stress and one of the best ways to relax, compared to other methods such as drinking an alcoholic beverage or exercising. In addition, most consumers would like to receive a massage product or service as a gift. "We are seeing a growing trend toward bringing massage into the home in order to be happier and healthier, and to get reenergized," Padgett said.
Key findings from the "New Year, New You Resolution" Study reveal that:
- Seventy-six (76) percent of respondents said relaxation is very important to health and wellness;
- Seventy-three (73) percent of respondents rated getting a massage as either extremely relaxing or very relaxing, compared to 51 percent who said exercise was extremely relaxing and 29 percent opting for a glass of wine or a cocktail as extremely relaxing;
- Sixty-nine (69) percent of respondents agreed that regular massage therapy is an important part of overall physical health and well-being;
- Twenty-nine (29) percent of respondents stated that having a glass of wine or a cocktail was not at all relaxing;
- Fifty-one (51) percent of respondents rated exercise as extremely relaxing, and 25 percent of respondents said they exercise to reduce their stress; and,
- Fifty-two (52) percent of respondents would like to receive a massage product or service as a gift.
"Massage is no longer viewed as an indulgence, but as a significant component to achieving overall health and wellness and relaxation," Padgett said. "Whether through spa treatments or personal products like our uZap Oscillating Massage Belt (https://www.tummybuttthighs.com/) that can be used daily at home, people are beginning to recognize that massage helps to improve circulation, alleviate tension and contribute to a more comfortable and stress-free lifestyle."
About the Study
The study was conducted for Brookstone via EXCEL Omnibus by ICR, an independent research company. Interviews were conducted from December 9 – 13 among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. More information about ICR can be obtained by visiting https://www.icrsurvey.com/.
This article was last modified on January 1, 2006
This article was first published on January 1, 2006
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