Gen Z are in their “happy place” while watching the sunset – but older generations are most content walking along the coast, strolling through the countryside, or sitting in a pub garden. Millennials, however, are most likely to be happy cuddling up with the kids, or relaxing in their own garden.
A poll of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Cotswold Outdoor, found seven in 10 have happy places – with an average of three different spots that put a smile on their faces.
As many as 93 percent of adults have a happy place that is outside, with older Brits feeling most at peace when exploring the great outdoors – listing the beach (45 percent), and a countryside walk (39 percent), among their favourites.
Cotswold Outdoor ambassador, and conscious living advocate, Elinor Fay, said: “A happy place can mean different things to different people – but for many, it relates to the outdoors.
“The results from this research suggest that while all age groups have a love of the outdoors, this connection deepens as you age.
“It’s great to see a love of the outdoors is widely shared across generations. The benefits of being outdoors are numerous and well-documented – it’s incredible for your mental and physical wellbeing.
“With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect opportunity for people to spend more time outdoors.”
The study also found half of all those polled (49 percent) feel it’s very important to them to have a happy place to escape to – for the sake of their mental wellbeing.
Of those who have at least one, 59 percent said most, or all, of them are based in the great outdoors. And 73 percent enjoy exploring the outdoors in places they’ve never been before – from simple country walks, to towering hills.
It also emerged that 64 percent feel healthier when they spend time outside, and 54 percent reckon it gives their mental health a boost. A further 54 percent feel more connected to nature, while 35 percent believe it helps them “disconnect” from the chaos of daily life.
On average, adults escape to their happy place nine times a month – with Boomers and older going most often, and Millennials the least.
To get the most out of it, the typical adult stays at that location for 66 minutes to maximise the benefits, according to the research, carried out by OnePoll.com. And if they can’t get there as often as they’d like, 18 percent feel frustrated, while 15 percent are annoyed.
It also emerged three in 10 need walking boots to visit their happy place, while 37 percent would pack sunglasses, and a fifth require waterproof clothing.
Gemma Evans, product director at Cotswold Outdoor, which has created a Happy Place kit list off the back of the research, added: “We know our customers are looking for kit that helps them look and feel great.
“It matters to us that we offer the functionality needed to enjoy the outdoors, while delivering the style that enables wear in day-to-day life.”
