A recent survey by Yakult has revealed that almost two thirds of Connacht people are absorbed with the weather, a subject on most people’s minds and lips, ahead of food, fashion, social media, and all-important health. Yakult’s survey found that while 75 per cent of those living in Connacht regard health as their number one priority in terms of happiness, ahead of friends, money and careers, overall wellbeing is not something they give much thought to on a daily basis. Yakult conducted its mindfulness survey to find out what was consuming Irish minds on a daily basis and to show how focusing on the important things in life can help us realise our New Year wishes of health and happiness in 2012.
Mindfulness can be applied to all areas of our lives, from the way we experience, right down to the way we eat, adds Olena Polyakova, nutritionist and fitness expert. According to Polyakova, it is the little, mindful steps that can make a big difference. “Set aside time to eat and eat at the table. Spend time over your meal and be aware of what you are eating. Meals in front of the TV lead to us gobbling down more than we need or want without allowing food to digest properly. Overeating and overindulging puts a strain on our digestive systems as well as our waistbands, which in turn affects our overall health and immune system.”
Yakult’s mindfulness survey also found that nearly half of all Connacht respondents like the feeling of fullness at the end of a meal, a watch point when it comes to eating mindfully. According to Polyakova, it is all about knowing when to stop as the brain is 10 minutes behind the stomach and it often takes a while to register you have had enough to eat.
With New Year’s cutbacks, Yakult’s mindfulness survey also sought to discover if Irish minds could be happier with less money to spend. The survey confirmed the old adage to be true, that the best things in life are free. Of those surveyed, 61 per cent of people felt happiest spending time with friends while over a quarter also cited a walk in nature as making them feel truly happy. For most respondents, the happiness gained from a new purchase is fleeting, wearing off after just four weeks for almost two thirds of respondents. However when it comes to experiences, such as holidays or concerts, the happiness meter has more longevity.
For more tips on keeping your mind relaxed, your body healthy, and your gut happy, come rain, hail, sleet or shine, visit www.yakult.ie
