Nearly 9 in 10 Brits need a mood boost, but many can't afford treats

Lighter nights might be here, and the clocks go back this weekend. But a dull and wet winter has left bedraggled Brits yearning for a boost.

According to new research by giffgaff, 88% of us say we're in need of a mood lift - but many are turning to small acts of self-care as it's hard to justify expensive treats when money is tight.

One in five (21%) admit they rely on a pick-me-up every two to three days to recharge, though 33% say they haven't had a single self-care treat in 12 months.

Top picks include listening to music (44%), going for a long walk (40%) and reading a book (24%). Massage was popular for 19%, while 12% said they enjoyed sauna or steam room time or grooming treatments (10%).

There were significant regional variations, with Londoners leaning into massages (22%) and red-light therapy (7%), Cardiff enjoying collagen masks (12%), and Birmingham opting for a blow dry (16%).

Belfast was the manicure capital, with 24% indulging in the treatment more frequently than anywhere else. Among the more unusual treatments, Mancunians are most likely to book an ice bath (8%) while Liverpudlians favour IV infusions (4%).

The study also revealed that Brits are avoiding pricier treats, with 19% unable to justify the expense when living costs are so high.

Instead, many are turning to their phones, with more than half (58%) looking up spa days, grooming treatments, and dream holidays for a mood lift, with no intention of booking.

To give Brits a much-needed lift, giffgaff is offering data boosts of up to 200% to customers. The mobile provider celebrated the deal by opening the Booost Bar in East London yesterday.

The pop-up offered massage chairs with heated blankets and oxygen masks with a choice of scents including ginger, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

Mood and energy-boosting food and drinks, such as Lion's Mane hot chocolate, apple cider vinegar and pomegranate gummies, were available for those needing an extra pick-me-up.

Kate Dohaney, CEO at giffgaff, said, "When we saw that one in three people in the UK hadn't taken time for a self-care treat in the past year, despite feeling the need to, it was clear there was an opportunity to give something back.

"The Booost Bar was designed to do just that, creating a moment for people to pause, recharge, and feel uplifted, all for free."

"At a time when many providers are increasing prices, we're focused on doing the opposite at giffgaff, offering greater value, including data boosts of up to 200% at no extra cost, such as 75GB instead of 25GB for just £10."

To find out more about giffgaff's data boost offer, visit https://www.giffgaff.com/.