Fearne Cotton found herself in a Christmas shopping scramble as she attempted to tick off 20 festive tasks from her list. The renowned broadcaster and author had to purchase wrapping paper, tape, batteries, children’s pyjamas, and presents for loved ones.
A smart device was used to track Fearne’s activity levels, heart rate, and overall wellness habits throughout the shopping spree. Starting with an impressive energy score of 80, Fearne successfully completed her shopping list in under two hours, clocking up over 8,356 steps along the way.
This comes after a study of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed that crowded shops and long queues (34 per cent) and the quest for the ‘perfect’ gift (28 per cent) are the top stressors of the season. Additionally, 33 per cent admitted to losing sleep over their December to-do lists.
Fearne Cotton, who partnered with Samsung Galaxy Ring for this experiment, shared: “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year – I love how magical it is for the kids – but it can be stressful and my routine can really take a hit.
“From hitting the shops to decorating the tree, there are plenty of ways to still stay healthy and make time for relaxation. I recently started tracking my energy levels, activity, and sleep which has helped keep me accountable with my wellness, especially in the Christmas hustle.
“Remember, the holidays should be a time to enjoy yourself, so it’s important not to feel guilty if you’re not dedicating as much time to your usual routines, as chances are the Christmas to-do list is keeping you active.”
A recent study has highlighted that activities such as wrapping gifts (21 per cent), cooking for large groups (17 per cent), and handling difficult family members (16 per cent) rank high on the list of Christmas stressors.
The festive period ramps up the pressure for two thirds of people, more so than any other time of year, with 25 per cent actively trying to focus on their wellbeing amidst the holiday chaos.
To cope with the stress, 41 per cent jot down their tasks, 35 per cent set a spending limit, and 25 per cent plan ahead to stay on top of things.
Moreover, 31 per cent maintain physical fitness and healthy eating habits, while 30 per cent ensure they get enough quality sleep to safeguard their health.
The study conducted via OnePoll revealed that 49 per cent of people would be more likely to do their Christmas shopping in person if it contributed to their wellbeing.
Annika Bizon, Spokesperson from Omnichannel & Head of Ireland – MX Division, Samsung UK, commented on the findings: “We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves at Christmas time. From pleasing everyone around us to wanting the festivities to run seamlessly, it’s easy to feel like your wellness has become a second priority.
“With the help of technology, we can keep track of how active we’re being, even during the Christmas shop, and feel reassured that we’re meeting wellness goals.”
