somoyerkontha -reporter

Over 60% of respondents have low confidence in establishing new health habits even before starting Experts’ advice to overcome procrastination towards building a healthy lifestyle The pandemic affects citizens’ social wellbeing but has also brought positive changes

From left to right: Mr. Samuel Wong, representative from FRC (Hong Kong) Ltd; Ms. Felicia Lau, Registered Clinical Psychologist; Dr. Gregory Mak, Psychiatric Specialist; Ms. Wendy Shum, Registered Physiotherapist and Ms. Natalie Yuen, RB’s External Affairs Director (HK & Taiwan) released the findings of the “Hong Kong Wellness in Action Index” Survey.

As part of an ongoing series of health insights, the survey will also cover in-depth discussions of different health topics on a regular basis, with experts from different disciplines sharing their insights on the findings while providing valuable and practical advice to the public. For this inaugural announcement, the survey looks into the impact of COVID-19 on respondents’ wellness, including challenges in maintaining healthy relationships – among couples as well as between parents and their children.

Highlights of the Survey

Give Yourself a Reason to Begin with Experts’ Wellness Lifehacks: Link

Based on the survey findings, an expert panel consisting of a physiotherapist, psychiatric specialist, clinical psychologist and social worker put together a set of tailor-made “Wellness Lifehacks” to help the public improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Dr. Gregory Mak, a Psychiatric Specialist, pointed out, “The survey showed that many people have low confidence in building new health habits and are easily affected by procrastination. To tackle the issues, we propose a simple 5-step approach to help changing their mindsets at the beginning of the Year of the Ox.”

Ms. Wendy Shum, a Registered Physiotherapist, said “Many people want to start exercising during the pandemic, however, there could be ‘blind spots’ when one is starting out. For example, injuries have increased as people are doing exercises as instructed via online videos without proper supervision. With our ‘Wellness Lifehacks’, we hope to enable the public to develop healthier lifestyles in a better and safer way.”

Ms. Felicia Lau, a Registered Clinical Psychologist, added, “This survey revealed plenty of insights. For example, many respondents agreed that the pandemic made them care more about their family and friends. Thus, we recommend the public to express their care to the loved ones and keep in close contact with friends, to improve their wellbeing and enrich their social lives. We also hope to encourage them to embrace positive changes brought by the pandemic.”

Key Survey Findings

Low satisfaction levels towards social wellbeing

For a score of 0-100, respondents have higher levels of satisfaction for “physical wellbeing” at 70 points and “mental wellbeing” at 64 points. “Social wellbeing” only scored low at 59 points. Nearly 60% of respondents say their satisfaction levels towards social wellbeing has declined in the past three months, which may be a reflection on the lack of social interaction brought by the pandemic.

Establishing health habits is regarded as a “lost cause”

Over 90% of respondents say they are keen to develop new health habits in 2021, citing three main goals — “do more exercise” (84%), “maintain a healthy diet” (72%) and “engage in more outdoor activities” (52%). However, less than 40% of respondents have confidence in maintaining these habits. This may reflect that an inability or proper motivation to put their health habits into action, regard them as a “lost cause” even before starting.

Expert Tips – Overcoming 5 “Blind Spots” When Starting a Habit of Exercising (By Registered Physiotherapist)

People are plagued by procrastination

More than half of the respondents admit they procrastinate and around 70% believe procrastination will have negative consequences. Respondents agree that the problem of “prolonged procrastination” should be tackled, with over 60% hoping to improve their situation.

Expert Tips – 5-Steps to Stop Procrastinating and Develop New Health Habits (By Psychiatric Specialist)

The pandemic brings positive changes

The pandemic has impacted negatively on the public’s wellbeing. The most common impacts include “more concerned about my job/financial status” (61%), “the new work- or study-from-home mode creates more pressure” (57%) and “feeling more anxious and agitated” (52%). However, there were positive changes, including “increase awareness of personal wellbeing” (80%), “care more about people around me” (76%) and “spend more time with my family” (71%).

Expert Tips – Embracing 5 Changes to Drive a New Lifestyle during the New Normal (By Registered Clinical Psychologist)

Youngsters are less concerned about hygiene habits

Over 80% of respondents believe that having good personal hygiene habits helps maintaining a positive physical and mental health. 56% of respondents aged 30 or above aim to “live a more hygienic life” in 2021, while only 38% of those aged between 12 and 29 have such a goal. This may reflect that youngsters are less concerned about hygiene issues.

Couples’ relationships are challenged during the pandemic

The pandemic has affected interactions between couples and creates tension in their relationships. Around 40% of respondents with a spouse/partner believe the pandemic has “restricted my interaction with my spouse/partner”. Over 30% claim that they have “less intimate time with my spouse/partner”. A quarter of respondents also say that their relationship “has been distanced” and “have more arguments with my spouse/partner”.

Expert Tips – 5 Missions to Improve the Relationship among Couples (By Psychiatric Specialist)

Challenges of parent-child relationships

Around 50% of parents felt the pandemic impacted their children’s social wellbeing. More than 60% of parents expressed that studying at home has created more pressure for their children, and over 50% of them said that the pandemic has made their children feeling more anxious and agitated.

Expert Tips – Answering the 5 needs to Help Kids Maintain Mental and Social Wellbeing (By Registered Social Worker)

Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Reckitt Benckiser’s General Manager Hong Kong & Taiwan, Health, said, “RB has always driven by its purpose to protect, heal and nurture in a relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world, and putting customers first. As a leader in FMCG industry, we launched the first ‘Hong Kong Wellness in Action’ Index, together with the professional advice from the expert panel, we hope to leverage our trusted brands’ expertise to provide all-rounded information and practical tips to the public, helping Hong Kong citizens to take a proactive approach in kick-starting a healthier lifestyle in the new normal.”

Mr. Cyril Chung, a registered social worker, also added, “The survey gave a good representation in terms of the topics and age groups covered. It helps us better understand the community’s ability to adopt a healthier lifestyle as a whole. With the comprehensive information provided, we can offer the public with more valid recommendations.”