At the beginning of the year they are booming again, the good resolutions for the new year. Every year, a large proportion of good intentions are health-related. This is why some health insurance companies regularly ask their members shortly before the end of the year what their plans are for the new year. DAK-Gesundheit also conducted a survey on resolutions for 2017. In addition to the classic resolutions, there is a new good resolution: “One in five respondents would like to be online less in the new year.” Are you still missing a resolution for more vitality, ecological awareness and joie de vivre? How about “drink more water”?
New trend for 2017: online renunciation
According to the latest DAK study on resolutions for 2017, the trend among younger members in particular is to spend less time online via smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. More than 3,000 respondents took part in the representative Forsa survey. It was the third time that DAK asked about the use of digital media in connection with New Year’s resolutions. Three years ago, 15 percent wanted to limit their online presence. The figure is now 20 percent. This means that one in five people plan to spend less time online. Among teenagers and young adults aged between 14 and 29, as many as 38% are aiming to limit their online activities. In this group, the figure was 29% two years ago. Among the over-60s, 10 percent want to limit their online consumption. Not going online is also a health issue. This is because offline time is often more relaxing, promotes concentration, relieves strain on the eyes and therefore benefits health.
Popular resolutions for 2017: stress reduction and more time
However, the list of good resolutions for 2017 is once again headed by stress reduction. 62% of those surveyed would like to relax more in the new year and plan to avoidor reduce stress. In the 30 to 59 age group, almost 70 percent want to relax more in the new year. This wish is followed by the 60 percent of respondents who would like to spend more time with their family and friends. Broken down by men and women, 63 percent of male respondents and 57 percent of female respondents intend to spend more time with loved ones.
The classic resolutions: Eat, drink, health, sport
In 2017, many people are once again resolving to eat more healthily, exercise more, lose weight or cut back on unpleasant habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol regularly. Nine percent would like to give up smoking, 12 percent would like to drink less alcohol and one in three would like to lose weight. Increased exercise is on the list of resolutions for 57 percent of those surveyed. In the group of 14 to 29-year-olds, two thirds even want to make more time for sport in 2017. 50 percent of all respondents are aiming for a healthier diet. This also includes healthy drinking habits. Drinking more water regularly also saves calories and makes you more resilient during sporting activity. A glass of water can also be a good alternative to drinking alcohol when eating together or at social events. This means that the resolution to drink more water regularly benefits several other resolutions at the same time.
A healthy, ecological drinking resolution for 2017: drink tap water! If you live in regions that have good tap water (and most of them in Germany do), you not only save yourself from having to lug around heavy crates of glass bottles or huge piles of unhealthy plastic bottles, you also save a lot of money. This would be an ecological, economical and healthy resolution for the new year.
We wish you ALL THE BEST for 2017!
