High-octane activities more relaxing than baths, poll finds

50 per cent say they stay active to reduce stress

(Getty)

More and more brits are opting for high-octane activities to relax instead of traditional methods, a new poll has found.

Nearly one in five adults said they would do something active outdoors in the event of extreme stress.

According to the poll, which had 2,000 responses, at least half also said that sports or staying active was their go-to way to unwind from the pressures of everyday life.

One in five adults even said they had been so stressed, they had booked a holiday to have something to look forward too. Of these adults, at least 14 per cent said they were planning a trip designed to get their adrenaline racing.

At least one in 10 said they had booked a skiing trip, while other popular locations included destinations where participants could try water skiing or surfing.

As many as 23 per cent said they have been on a skiing holiday, while 26 per cent said they have not but would like to.

“An activity or trip that takes you out of your comfort zone can help to focus the mind,” said a spokesperson for Heathrow, which commissioned the research to mark the launch of a new ski route.

“Ski season provides a great opportunity for an adrenaline-fuelled trip, especially now that Scandinavian Airlines has launched its route from Heathrow to the brand new Scandinavian Mountains Airport in Salen.”

The poll also found three-quarters of adults describe their lives as generally stressful, and 76 per cent believe they’ve also got more susceptible to stress as they’ve aged.

But more than a fifth feel “completely free” when they are doing something that gets their blood pumping.

Just over 15 per cent think an adrenaline spike helps them “get out of their own head” and the same amount say it makes them feel free of stress.

However, despite the benefits, adults often only do something very active around eight times a year.

At least 42 per cent also said they still preferred a beach holiday with minimal activity.

When asked about choosing a destination, the poll found that location and cost was the most important factor. This was followed by good value and time it took to travel.

SWNS