Americans More Stressed in
2005 than 2004
- Americans See Massage as More Relaxing than Exercise or
Alcohol
- Taking Better Care of Oneself the No. 1 New Year's
Resolution
NEW YORK,
Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it was hurricanes,
rising fuel costs or general unease about the economy, a majority of Americans
(56 percent) said that they experienced more stress in 2005 than they did in
2004, according to the "New Year, New You" Study, a national
telephone survey of 1,000 U.S. adults sponsored by Brookstone.
The study indicated that Americans are adopting new methods, such as massage
therapy, for reducing stress and relaxing.
With stress at high levels,
three out of four Americans (75 percent) said that their 2006 New Year's
resolutions will focus on taking better care of themselves and establishing a
better work / life balance.
"Compared to 2004, 2005
was more difficult for most people across the country," says Robert
Padgett, a spokesman for Brookstone, Inc., the
product development company and specialty retailer. "Whether they live in
cities, suburbs or the heartland, Americans lead very hectic lives. With each
New Year, Americans try to set new improvement goals and get rid of bad habits.
We found Americans want to take better care of themselves in 2006."
The study also found that a
majority of Americans believe that massage is an effective way to relieve
stress and one of the best ways to relax, compared to other methods such as
drinking an alcoholic beverage or exercising. In addition, most consumers would
like to receive a massage product or service as a gift. "We are seeing a
growing trend toward bringing massage into the home in order to be happier and
healthier, and to get reenergized," Padgett said.
Key findings from the "New Year, New You Resolution" Study reveal that:
-- Seventy-six (76) percent of respondents said relaxation is very
important to health and wellness;
-- Seventy-three (73) percent of respondents rated getting a massage as
either extremely relaxing or very relaxing, compared to 51 percent who
said exercise was extremely relaxing and 29 percent opting for a glass
of wine or a cocktail as extremely relaxing;
-- Sixty-nine (69) percent of respondents agreed that regular massage
therapy is an important part of overall physical health and well-being;
-- Twenty-nine (29) percent of respondents stated that having a glass of
wine or a cocktail was not at all relaxing;
-- Fifty-one (51) percent of respondents rated exercise as extremely
relaxing, and 25 percent of respondents said they exercise to reduce
their stress; and,
-- Fifty-two (52) percent of respondents would like to receive a massage
product or service as a gift.
"Massage is no longer viewed
as an indulgence, but as a significant component to achieving overall health
and wellness and relaxation," Padgett said. "Whether through spa
treatments or personal products like our uZap
Oscillating Massage Belt (http://www.tummybuttthighs.com)
that can be used daily at home, people are beginning to recognize that massage
helps to improve circulation, alleviate tension and contribute to a more
comfortable and stress-free lifestyle."
About the Study
The study was conducted for Brookstone via EXCEL Omnibus by ICR, an independent
research company. Interviews were conducted from December 9 - 13 among a
nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults aged 18+. The margin of error
is +/- 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. More information about
ICR can be obtained by visiting http://www.icrsurvey.com
.
About Brookstone
Brookstone, Inc. is a product
development and specialty retail company that creates innovative
solutions that help people live their lives to the fullest. From massage
products that relieve daily stress to sleek audio systems that look as great as
they sound, to travel accessories that bring the comforts of home to the road, Brookstone builds quality and innovation into products that
make life better. For more information please visit http://www.brookstone.com .
Media Inquiries:
Robert Padgett Catherine Sullivan
Brookstone Publicis Dialog
603.577.8097 212-279-6345
cell: 617-620-7336 catherine.sullivan@publicis-usa.com
rpadgett@brookstone.com
Source: Brookstone
