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NEW YORK — It’s not piling on the layers during the winter that eats up time — almost half of Americans admit their morning routine takes the longest during the summer. That’s according to a new poll of 2,000 adults, which reveals that 49 percent say summertime seems to slow them down during the morning grind.
As a result, 56 percent cite summer as the season in which they make the most adjustments to their daily routine.
Routines are most commonly adjusted by switching to breathable, light clothing (41%), spending more time outdoors (39%), and eating more ice cream (36%). In fact, about two-thirds (65%) admit they are happier when they can enjoy their favorite desserts and snacks more often.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Enlightened, the survey also showed that summer doesn’t just impact routine times — it impacts self-care.
The summer of me
During the summer months, 42 percent care for themselves by applying sunscreen and moisturizer regularly, and 41 percent indulge in summer treats like ice cream and popsicles. In fact, 59 percent of respondents look for ways to treat themselves every day by enjoying their favorite dessert or snack (52%), doing nothing (44%), and spending time alone (44%).
Though more than half the poll (54%) find that it is more difficult to treat themselves over the summer, with about one-third (34%) feeling like they usually don’t have time for it, and 40 percent being deterred by the sugar content in their favorite treats.
However, the top treat for 52 percent of respondents is their favorite dessert or snack.
“It can be easy to get caught up in the routine of everyday life, but even the most mundane days should have a special treat. That could be as simple as indulging in some ‘me time’ with your favorite pint of ice cream,” says Enlightened founder and CEO Michael Shoretz in a statement.
People will go to great lengths to protect their treat, with 36 percent admitting they’ve hidden snacks from other members of their family or guests. Other ways respondents indulge in me-time include watching TV (42%), listening to music (41%), and drinking their favorite beverage (37%).
“Results found that 63 percent of people want to treat themselves more than they actually do. Finding the perfect way and time to treat yourself shouldn’t have to be a compromise,” Shoretz says. “We believe that you don’t have to choose between having a delicious treat and good nutrition.”
