Tyla

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Not now
OK
Advert
Advert
Advert

A Third Of People Have Actually Enjoyed Lockdown, Study Says

Ciara Sheppard

Published 
| Last updated 

A Third Of People Have Actually Enjoyed Lockdown, Study Says

Featured Image Credit: Pexels

It's hard to know what you're 'allowed' to say amidst the global pandemic, which has unarguably changed our lives in both huge and trivial ways.

The international crisis saw entire nations go under lockdown, with - in some cases - people stripped of their livelihoods, separated from loved ones for months on end and, of course, suffering devastating losses thanks to the virus.

However, while it's unarguably been a terrible time for many, others have been taking pleasure in the slowed down pace, having more time for leisure activities and new hobbies and, for those furloughed, time off work.

In fact, many have been telling their friends and family (most likely in hushed tones) that they've actually been enjoying lockdown - a third of people, to be precise.

Advert
(Credit: Pexels)
(Credit: Pexels)

New research carried out by University College London has found that, on balance, a third of Brits have been enjoying quarantine.

The study - which is the UK's largest into how adults are feeling about the lockdown - has tracked the mental wellbeing of over 70,000 participants for 14 weeks, beginning one week before it commenced.

Meanwhile, 46 per cent have not been enjoying the lockdown and 21 per cent have mixed feelings about it. Of those, 17 per cent said they have not being enjoying it 'at all' while 4 per cent said they've enjoyed it 'very much'.

Advert

Adults with ages ranging from 30 to 59 were found to have been enjoying it the most, as have people living with others, those with higher household incomes, people without any prior mental health conditions, and perhaps surprisingly, those living with children.

(Credit: Unsplash)
(Credit: Unsplash)

People in Scotland and Wales have been enjoying lockdown less than those in England, while experiences have been similar across ethnicities.

Participants were also asked if they felt they would miss lockdown, with 36 per cent feeling they would not miss it at all and just 5 per cent saying they'd miss it very much.

Advert

26 per cent said they would miss lockdown more than not miss it, while 61 per cent said they felt they would not miss it overall, and 13 per cent were mixed in their feelings.

Lead author, Dr Daisy Fancourt (UCL Epidemiology & Health Care) said: "Our study shows that the majority of people are either not enjoying the lockdown or have mixed feeling about it.

"This is especially true amongst groups with a lower household income, who may be living in accommodation which is overcrowded or lacking in outside space, and those living alone, who may be feeling more isolated than those living with others.

(Credit: Unsplash)
(Credit: Unsplash)
Advert

"Of the third of people who report enjoying lockdown, a large number have higher household incomes and live with others or children, suggesting these people may have been less affected by the economic and social restrictions."

The study also looked into lockdown behaviours, with 40 per cent of adults saying they'd gained weight during lockdown (with 4 per cent saying they'd gained a lot), 17 per cent reporting drinking more during lockdown and 33 per cent reporting smoking more than usual.

Topics: Life News, Life, Coronavirus

Ciara Sheppard
More like this
Advert
Advert
Advert

Chosen for YouChosen for You

Entertainment

Rihanna shares plans for baby number three with A$AP Rocky

2 hours ago

Most Read StoriesMost Read

NHS advice on pulling out ingrown hairs after father is given 4% chance of survival

a day ago