A mere 15 minutes of daily exercise can provide a more significant boost to mental health than spending on a lavish wellness retreat, according to a recent trial. The study tracked people from across the UK, US and Australia who had all attended a wellness holiday in the past year to assess its impact on their mental wellbeing.
As part of the trial, participants incorporated a 15-minute movement break into their daily routine for just one week. Consequently, they reported a 21% improvement in mental wellbeing, surpassing the benefits gained from their costly retreats.
Before embarking on the trial, participants filled out a preliminary survey detailing their retreat experiences and perceived benefits, recorded their daily mood, and completed a final questionnaire at the end of the week.
The trial, supervised by Dr Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London and commissioned by ASICS, revealed that 71 per cent of participants found daily movement more effective in reducing stress.
It provided a larger mood boost for 65 per cent of participants, while 73 per cent reported longer-lasting mental health benefits compared to their wellness holiday.
As a result, sportswear brand ASICS has enlisted actor, writer and wellness advocate Natasha Rothwell as its Everyday Escape Concierge.
The campaign aims to demonstrate that achieving wellness doesn’t require spending thousands or travelling long distances – it invites everyone to discover the power outside their door by moving their bodies to move their minds.
Natasha said: “Your Everyday Escape could be a walk, a stretch, a dance in your kitchen. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’s yours. Wellness shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be something we can all access, every day.”
In addition to the trial, ASICS conducted a global survey of 11,000 individuals who have attended wellness retreats. From those surveyed in the UK, it was found that they travel an average of over 1,500km to attend these wellness holidays.
However, 63 per cent said they failed to meet all expectations, with 72 per cent reporting that any wellness benefits faded shortly after returning home.
Dr Brendon Stubbs added: “It’s incredible to see the impact 15 minutes of movement can have on mental wellbeing. The trial shows that small movement breaks can boost mood and reduce stress more effectively than a wellness holiday.
“All the participants said they’d be continuing to take movement breaks moving forward and 81 per cent said they’re now prioritising movement for their wellbeing over attending another retreat. A week away may give a short-term boost, but exercise delivers long-term benefits.”