SWNS

More than half of Americans (51%) experience "scent-stalgia", missing the comforting scents of their homes after being away for a couple of days. Interestingly, 66% of people said that they can recognize the unique scent of their own home, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. For many, that aroma brings feelings of comfort - a sentiment shared by 77% of respondents. Thirty-eight percent of respondents also had a “familiar” feeling. These familiar scents not only included “traditional” aromas like flowers, but also the familiar scent of a freshly cleaned home. When it comes to favorite scents people enjoy at home, floral (17%) and clean or sanitizing (e.g. chlorine bleach) (14%) topped the list, followed by citrus (13%), baked goods (11%) and wood/natural scents (13%). What’s more, six in 10 Americans, even as adults, are able to describe the scent of their childhood home, with wood/natural scents like cedar, pine and fresh-cut grass being the most popular (50%), followed by clean scents (48%). The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of AlEn USA, found that homes have the power to influence moods and emotions mainly on Gen Z (78%) followed by millennials (67%) and Gen X (56%). The top feelings associated with home among all generations were relaxation (38%), happiness (36%) and centeredness (32%). Leaving home can be tough for anyone, and the average American begins to miss their home after nearly five days away. It’s the comfortable and cozy feeling they miss the most (54%), followed closely by personal belongings (53%). People inherit scents, items, and crucial life skills and resources from past generations that they want to hold on to as long as possible. That's why household chores like cleaning can bring about a sense of nostalgia for those who learned from their loved ones. Those skills include how to do laundry (54%), cook a certain meal (49%), clean in a specific way (48%) and even how to deep clean (43%). “In the wake of the pandemic, most of us are spending more time at home than ever before,” Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at AlEn USA, said. “How that home smells can significantly impact our emotions and lifestyle, and many of us feel nostalgic for those scents when we’re away. We’ve found that taking on a regular cleaning routine can be one way to keep the house smelling fresh – and give it that signature, reliable scent that’s always comforting to come home to.” To boost the scent of their home, the study found that people opened windows for fresh air (47%), cleaned regularly to remove odors (45%) and burned scented candles (43%). The average clean smell lasts almost three days according to the survey. Cleaning also has mental health benefits, as the results showed that after cleaning their home respondents are typically left feeling satisfied (49%), productive (42%), relaxed (40%), accomplished (37%) and in control (35%). “For many people, cleaning can be a source of calm and relaxation, and aroma absolutely plays into that feeling,” Grewal said. “When you combine the comforting smell of home with the meditative act of cleaning, it can create an incredible de-stressing effect that leaves you feeling ready to tackle the rest of your day.” TOP MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH CLEANING A HOME ● Satisfaction - 49% ● Productivity - 42% ● Relaxation - 40% ● Accomplishment - 37% ● Control - 35% ● Happiness - 35% ● Mindfulness - 30% TOP FEELINGS THE SCENT OF HOME BRINGS ● Relaxation - 38% ● Familiarity - 38% ● Happiness - 36% ● Centeredness - 32% ● Energized - 28% TOP SCENTS PEOPLE ENJOY THE MOST AT HOME ● Floral scents (e.g. flowers, potpourri) - 17% ● Citrus scents (e.g. lemon, orange)- 13% ● Clean/Sanitizing (ex. chlorine bleach) - 14% ● Baked Goods (fresh bread, cookies) - 11% ● Wood/natural scents (e.g. cedar, pine, fresh cut grass) - 13% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population was commissioned by AlEn between April 25 and April 27, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Nearly half of women think they have more social barriers to overcome than previous generations (44%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 women 25-40 and 55-80 looked at how women view themselves in society and found that four in five agree that society puts a lot of pressure on women to look or act a certain way. The top barriers women find themselves faced with are feeling like they need to “cover up” or hide parts of their body (23%) and dealing with the fear of aging (20%).

If you enjoy spending time on your own, you are more likely to enjoy red wine, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 American adults who drink wine regularly looked at the personality differences based on respondents’ favorite style of wine and found that those who enjoy red wine said they’re introverts (48%), while respondents who enjoy sparkling wine, are the most likely to be outgoing, identifying as extroverts (40%). In tune with their favorite wine, rosé drinkers believe they’re the happy medium, establishing themselves as ambiverts (32%).

More than one in four Americans believe they can will their sickness away, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 Americans revealed that until they have cold sweats or chills (48%), a fever (46%) or see green snot (21%), they won’t acknowledge they’re sick. Despite other tell-tale signs such as body aches (46%) or a juicy cough (19%), it takes Americans an average of two days of symptoms before admitting they may be unwell. Almost three in five (59%) respondents are guilty of using the “it’s just allergies” excuse at least some of the time, though only 20% are likely to believe that line from someone else. But if they were to wake up tomorrow with a sore throat, one-third (34%) would attribute it to allergies, compared to 16% who would consider themselves sick — another 14% would blame the weather. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Mucinex, results showed that the average person gets sick two times per year, though 37% tend to ignore their symptoms at least one of those times. Most commonly respondents ignore a runny nose (45%), but they also tend to brush off a cough (33%), headache (29%) or body aches (26%). And when those symptoms persist, the average respondent comes to terms with their sickness after two days. But how do people approach that first day feeling under the weather? More than one-third (36%) are more likely to carry on and work, rather than take a sick day (25%). Though concerns over losing a day of pay (31%) or work piling up (22%) tend to force respondents’ hands, 37% believe that working takes their mind off being sick. However, healthy coworkers tend to disagree. Almost three-quarters (71%) of respondents believe that it is rude to come to work when you’re sick. "We want to remind people that taking care of their health should always be a top priority, and that includes taking the time to rest and recover when necessary,” Albert So, marketing director of Mucinex, said. “It's important to understand your body and your symptoms so you can choose the right medication to address your needs." Symptoms that leave respondents down for the count include fever (56%), general weakness (39%) and stomachs (26%). Others succumb to body aches (37%) and headaches (30%), leaving them likely to bow out of certain activities. But when FOMO wins, respondents tend to power through their symptoms for events such as funerals (35%), their own wedding (34%) or a vacation (34%). Some respondents aren’t willing to disappoint their loved ones and will persist for school pick up and drop off (24%) or someone else’s wedding (16%). "It's understandable that people may feel pressure to keep working or attend important events when they're feeling sick, but everyone has their own pace of healing,” So said. “Staying home and taking care of yourself with the right symptom relief can actually be more productive in the long run. Don't ignore your body's warning signs.” TOP SYMPTOMS AMERICANS IGNORE ● Runny nose - 45% ● Cough - 33% ● Headache - 29% ● Body aches - 26% ● Sinus pressure - 22% ● Sore throat - 21% ● Draining mucus - 19% ● Stomach - 14% ● Fever - 14% WHY DO AMERICANS AVOID TAKING A SICK DAY FROM WORK? ● I don’t want to lose a day of pay - 31% ● I don’t want my work to pile up - 22% ● No one else can handle/knows how to do my job - 21% ● My workload is too heavy - 16% ● My boss/manager will be unhappy with me - 16% ● I worry my coworkers are already too busy - 14% ● My coworkers will be unhappy with me - 10% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Mucinex between April 14 and April 19, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Have you been procrastinating your spring cleaning? You’re not alone — 90% of Americans say they get anxious cleaning their home. A poll of 2,000 US adults revealed the areas that make people the most anxious when they think about cleaning them: floors (54%), carpets and rugs (52%) and refrigerators (52%). Roughly three-quarters of respondents (72%) admit they’re not as thorough as they should be when it’s time to clean, and areas of their home will often go neglected because they’re either too hard to reach (44%), are difficult to clean (39%) or they don’t have the time to clean (38%). And Americans aren’t necessarily the most diligent cleaners, the survey found. Half (53%) either “always” or “often” cut corners when cleaning. Only nine percent claim they never cut corners. Similarly, 49% admit to “always” or “often” pretending to not see a mess so someone else can clean it instead. Commissioned by Casabella and conducted by OnePoll, the study found 84% of people have some kind of cleaning routine at home, but two-thirds spend less than 40 minutes in any given room when cleaning it. According to the findings, most of the time spent cleaning takes place in the kitchen (39%), bathroom (25%) and bedrooms (18%). A third (33%) are most likely to deep clean — disinfecting, scrubbing, or cleaning hard-to-reach areas — only before hosting guests. Similarly, 26% only do it before a holiday comes up and 22% do it seasonally. “While deep cleaning your home can be an overwhelming task, there is a lot you can do to make the process more enjoyable and help you to achieve a more thorough clean,” said Tom Barber, SVP Marketing & Product Development at Casabella. “Because floors, specifically, make up the largest area of the home and can take a longer time to finish, you’ll want to make sure that you are being most effective with your routine for a more sanitary clean, like having separate buckets for clean and dirty water when mopping.” But it might all be in vain. The average person’s home only lasts 12 days after being cleaned before it starts to get dirty again, making a plea for daily cleaning. Merely one in five (21%) of people said they clean their floors every day, more than bedrooms (17%), bathrooms (17%) and closets (13%). Similarly, 24% believe floors should be cleaned every single day. A large majority (84%) felt confident in their abilities to tell whether something in their home is truly clean or not — claiming their home only feels clean once it lacks dirt particles (60%), smells sanitized (58%) and lacks stains (52%). When it comes to floors specifically, people said they know how to clean carpets best (62%), followed by tile (61%), hardwood floors (53%) and linoleum (48%). A majority appear to be precise when it comes to their floors — 79% said they’re aware of dirt being mopped up from the floor goes into the bucket and then back to the floor again, making messes messier. Four in five (83%) believe having separate buckets for clean and dirty water is a more effective and sanitary way to clean. “Confidence in your cleaning ability is key, but so is having the right equipment,” continued Tom Barber. “Having products that bring harmony to your home and life and that make it easier to clean can be a game changer for many — allowing for more convenient use and taking less time to clean, which ensures the time spent isn’t in vain.” TOP 9 ANXIETY-INDUCING AREAS TO CLEAN Floors - 54% Carpets/rugs - 52% Refrigerators - 52% Windows - 50% Dishwashers - 48% Microwaves - 47% Closets - 47% Sofas/couches - 34% HVAC systems - 21% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Casabella between April 10 and April 11, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

The average person spends nearly 50 hours a year purchasing beverages at the café during the workday. A survey of 2,000 on-site employees found it takes about 16 minutes to leave one’s desk, buy a drink and return, but with three such trips a week, employees end up losing an entire work week per year. However, having a favorite beverage in hand can help kick-start one’s day. To get their workday going, people usually get organized (60%), sip their favorite beverage (59%) and check their emails (55%). While a hot cup of coffee (66%) is the most popular first drink of the day, participants also prefer cold drinks such as iced coffee (47%), water (45%) and flavored water (30%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of multi-beverage system maker Flavia, the survey also found there may be a link between drink preference and productivity. Seventy-seven percent of coffee drinkers need two or more cups of coffee to feel productive on a workday, with nearly a quarter (24%) noting Mondays were the day of the week they needed the most coffee. Six in 10 (60%) turn to a hot cup of coffee to improve their mood at work, as well. Sometimes, though, it takes getting creative with one’s beverage to freshen things up. Nearly two-thirds (64%) “always” or “often” vary the type of drink they consume as the hours go by. Aside from hot coffee (77%), people also drink water (70%), iced coffee (64%), tea (62%), juice (55%) and flavored water (51%) while they work, among other beverages. “Over a third (37%) of those surveyed would like the ability to brew hot and cold beverages and more than a quarter (26%) want to be able to brew different kinds of beverages at work,” said Camille Vareille, VP, Head of Marketing Americas, Lavazza Group. Money spent on beverages also adds up quickly. While at the cafe, the average American buys about 2.5 drinks, totaling about $16 per visit. With more than three visits to the café per week, that amounts to over $2,800 a year. “The survey revealed that nearly 87% of respondents were going into the office between two to three days a week. Over eight in 10 employees said having free beverages as a workplace perk would make them feel valued, and offering free beverages was the most requested perk to encourage employees to work from an office. Investing in an array of beverages on-site can not only save employees time and money but also help with bringing them back into the office,” Vareille added.

The average person spends nearly 50 hours a year purchasing beverages at the café during the workday. A survey of 2,000 on-site employees found it takes about 16 minutes to leave one’s desk, buy a drink and return, but with three such trips a week, employees end up losing an entire work week per year. However, having a favorite beverage in hand can help kick-start one’s day. To get their workday going, people usually get organized (60%), sip their favorite beverage (59%) and check their emails (55%). While a hot cup of coffee (66%) is the most popular first drink of the day, participants also prefer cold drinks such as iced coffee (47%), water (45%) and flavored water (30%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of multi-beverage system maker Flavia, the survey also found there may be a link between drink preference and productivity. Seventy-seven percent of coffee drinkers need two or more cups of coffee to feel productive on a workday, with nearly a quarter (24%) noting Mondays were the day of the week they needed the most coffee. Six in 10 (60%) turn to a hot cup of coffee to improve their mood at work, as well. Sometimes, though, it takes getting creative with one’s beverage to freshen things up. Nearly two-thirds (64%) “always” or “often” vary the type of drink they consume as the hours go by. Aside from hot coffee (77%), people also drink water (70%), iced coffee (64%), tea (62%), juice (55%) and flavored water (51%) while they work, among other beverages. “Over a third (37%) of those surveyed would like the ability to brew hot and cold beverages and more than a quarter (26%) want to be able to brew different kinds of beverages at work,” said Camille Vareille, VP, Head of Marketing Americas, Lavazza Group. Money spent on beverages also adds up quickly. While at the cafe, the average American buys about 2.5 drinks, totaling about $16 per visit. With more than three visits to the café per week, that amounts to over $2,800 a year. “The survey revealed that nearly 87% of respondents were going into the office between two to three days a week. Over eight in 10 employees said having free beverages as a workplace perk would make them feel valued, and offering free beverages was the most requested perk to encourage employees to work from an office. Investing in an array of beverages on-site can not only save employees time and money but also help with bringing them back into the office,” Vareille added. WHAT PERKS WOULD ENCOURAGE ON-SITE EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM AN OFFICE? Free beverages - 46% Required breaks - 45% Free food - 45% On-site gym - 43% Office lounge/social area - 42% Ability to bring pets to work - 36% Ability to bring kid to work - 29% On-site games - 22% In-person employee clubs - 14% – 16.4 minutes per cafe visit x 3.42 visits to the cafe per week = 56.088 minutes a week, x 52 weeks in a year = 2,916.576 minutes or 48.61 hours a year $6.27 spent per beverage at a cafe on an average visit x 2.56 beverages per visit = $16.0512 per visit x 3.42 trips a week = $54.895104 spent per week x 52 weeks = $2,854.55 a year Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,050 U.S. adults who work on-site or in an office was commissioned by Flavia between March 29 and April 4, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Do you own an Australian Shepard, Border Collie or a Corgi? According to a new survey, you might just own America’s most spoiled dog. A poll of 2,000 US dog owners revealed 60% swear they own the “world’s most spoiled dog” and two-thirds of them have a herding dog. Non-sporting dogs like Bulldogs, Boston Terriers and Shiba Inus came in second place for the nation’s most luxuriated breeds, earning 64% of the vote. And in third place with 59% are terrier breeds like Russell terriers, Scottish Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers. Similarly, 79% of herding dog owners claimed their dogs live like royalty at home, tying with runner-ups sporting (79%) and terrier (79%) breeds. An overwhelming majority (96%) said they spoil their pets in a wide variety of ways and 37% treat their dogs so well, they’d take the chance to switch bodies with their pups for a day if they could. When asked what they would do for that day, respondents said they’d probably play all day long (47%), sleep in until noon (42%) and sleep where they usually wouldn’t be allowed to (37%). People’s penchant for giving their dogs the life of luxury can be explained by four in five who treat and talk to their dogs as if they were human. Many talk to them as if they were children (32%), babies (18%) or like another adult (18%). Commissioned by Solid Gold and conducted by OnePoll, the study found two-thirds of terrier owners love giving their dogs extra treats throughout the day, while 29% of toy breed owners love to serve their pups the finest bottled or filtered water in their bowl. One in four (28%) herding dog owners love to take their dogs with them on vacation and 26% of working dogs get treated to meals being prepared by hand by their owners. “Most of us will make the claim our dog is ‘the’ most spoiled dog, but there’s a clear trend pointing towards smaller breeds as being the most doted on,” said Yvethe Tyszka, vice president of marketing at Solid Gold. “Regardless of size or breed, all dog owners agree their pups deserve the best with delicious treats, walks, and all of our attention.” Ahead of Mother’s Day, the survey also revealed the “dog mom” persona 75% of women surveyed take pride in. Sixty-seven percent of them believe dog moms should be celebrated on Mother’s Day just as much as human moms, and 58% plan to spoil their dogs for Mother’s Day. A third of women (32%) admit they likely treat their dogs more luxurious than themselves, and another third treat them better than their kids (17%) and significant others (16%). Mother's Day is the time for ‘dog moms’ to receive lots of love and affection from their fur baby,” continued Tyszka. "A perfect day to celebrate the dog mom in your life to something special this year, and then of course treat your dog, too.” WHAT TO DO IF YOU WAKE UP AS YOUR DOG -Play all day long - 47% -Sleep in until noon - 42% -Sleep where I usually don’t sleep - 37% -Beg humans to play with me - 34% -Bark at a stranger - 32% -Roll around in the nearest patch of grass - 32% -Chew on my favorite toy - 32% -Demand to be carried everywhere - 29% -Beg for pets - 23% -Get as dirty as possible - 22% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American dog owners was commissioned by Solid Gold between April 25 and April 27, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Enough talk about millennials and their avocado-toast-buying ways — new data suggests every generation is at risk of spending too much cash on their grub. A poll of 1,800 US adults found, across the board, 48% said their grocery costs are eating up the majority of their monthly budget, followed by utility bills (38%) and credit card debt (37%). Younger Americans seem to be focused on their financial positioning for the future, as well. Thirty-eight percent Gen Zers are delegating the majority of their monthly budget towards loans, while 46% of millennials are likewise spending most of their money tackling credit card debt. Meanwhile, 45% of Gen X is spending the most on groceries, 43% of baby boomers are paying the most on utility bills and 43% of the Silent generation are forking up the most for their rent and/or mortgages. Commissioned by UserTesting and conducted by OnePoll, the study also revealed that when it comes to finances and banking, people across all generations prefer a human touch — 83% said they prefer using a physical bank for their financial needs. A third of people (36%) said they “strictly” use physical banks, ditching digital completely — including 40% of Gen Z and 34% of baby boomers. In comparison, only 10% overall said they rather just use a digital bank with no physical presence. People who prefer physical banks said they like having the confidence their transactions are being handled correctly (60%) and being able to talk to a human (51%). We’re seeing a strange dichotomy in banking unfolding in front of us,” said Dana Bishop, VP of Experience Research Strategy at UserTesting. “We know physical banking branches are closing in droves, yet the data here supports that consumers — especially in younger generations — crave the human-first benefits traditional banks provide. “It’s important for digital banking platforms to consider the preferences and behaviors of their customers when building and designing products and services in order to meet this new need.” While many said they prefer physical banks, 67% said they still trust digital wallets and mobile banking apps – most popular amongst younger generations (76% of Gen Z and 86% of millennials) and least popular for baby boomers (48%). Two in five (41%) prefer mobile payment apps as a way of sending money back and forth and 53% do so up to five times per month. Six in 10 (60%) also admitted they’re more likely to spend money frivolously when using digital payment options. Four in five (79%) digital bank users wished their banks offered some of the perks traditional, physical banks already have — such as the 45% of them that wish online banks offered the ability to talk to humans for customer support. Out of all the respondents surveyed, Gen Z rather talk to humans the most (60%), compared to the Silent generation (49%) and baby boomers (28%). “In reality, there’s still an open space for hybrid institutions to exist,” concluded Bishop. “Both digital and traditional banking platforms have their exclusive benefits, but there is a clear want and need for institutions to exist in both physical and digital worlds, providing the shared perks either can offer.” TOP 3 MONTHLY BUDGET SPENDS PER GENERATION GEN Z Groceries - 48% Credit card debt - 41% Rent - 39% MILLENNIAL Groceries - 55% Credit card debt - 46% Utilities - 44% GEN X Groceries - 45% Rent/mortgage - 38% Utilities - 38% BABY BOOMER Groceries - 47% Utilities - 43% Rent/mortgage - 31% SILENT GENERATION Groceries - 45% Rent/mortgage - 43% Loans – 39% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 1,800 Americans with bank accounts was commissioned by UserTesting between March 3 and April 12, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

The average parent will drive over 1,400 miles to their destination before considering another mode of transportation, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 car owners or drivers who are parents of school-aged children revealed that when going on a trip, parents will drive an average of 1,479 miles before choosing to fly or take a train. To put it into context – that’s longer than a one-way trip from NYC to Walt Disney World. Not only do 85% of parents prefer to drive whenever possible, but 78% believe that their child also prefers to be in the car. In fact, the average family takes about five road trips per year, meaning the average family vehicle has seen about 25 different ones in its lifetime. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Kelley Blue Book, results also found that 73% consider their car to be an extension of their home. For 57% of parents, family vehicles have earned their home 2.0 status due to the fact that they’ve owned it longer than their apartment or house. But for others, making memories (51%), spending time with family (50%) and sharing meals together (47%) gives their car a homey feel. Almost two-thirds (65%) of parents spend at least 30 minutes driving every day, with 12% spending more than three hours each day behind the wheel. One-quarter (25%) say they use their car mostly to commute to work every day. But the top reason parents use their car is to drive their child to activities such as sports practice or music lessons (46%). On average, parents have owned their car for about five years, though 25% have been driving the same wheels for seven or more years. And respondents attach fond memories to these vehicles, as they’ve safely transported a new family home after their child was born (39%) and created memories on the first family road trip (36%). “Family cars are not just modes of transportation, but vessels of memories,” said a spokesperson for Kelley Blue Book. “From road trips to soccer games, first dates to driving tests, family cars have been witness to countless life events and have become a part of the family story.” Despite the stereotypes, almost three-quarters (74%) never thought they’d own the type of car they currently own — 26% currently own a minivan and another 19% consider it their ideal family vehicle. Growing up, parents dreamt of certain features in their family car, like a TV (45%) sunroof (45%), speakers (44%), snack dispensers (43%) and even flight (42%). Today they’re hoping for more practical features such as adaptive cruise control (35%), blind spot warnings (34%) and automatic emergency braking (33%). Though some hold onto more childish ambitions, such as snack dispensers (32%) or the ability for their car to fly (29%). “For families who spend a significant amount of time on the road, the importance of being both comfortable and safe in your vehicle cannot be overstated,” the spokesperson added. “Whether it's for long road trips or daily commutes, having a reliable car that provides comfort and convenience can make all the difference. While parents may dream of special features, the reality is that family cars are the one factor that see it all - from meals on the go to extracurricular activities - and a comfortable ride can help make those experiences more enjoyable.” HOW DO AMERICANS DECORATE THEIR CAR? ● Custom seat covers/upholstery - 47% ● Stickers - 46% ● Custom paint - 45% ● Multicolor lights - 44% ● Rhinestones - 44% ● Glitter - 40% TOP WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CAR FEEL HOMEY ● Air freshener - 41% ● Cup holders/coasters - 37% ● Speakers - 36% ● Car diffuser/humidifier - 34% ● Heated seats - 33% ● Lap blanket - 33% ● Key chains - 32% ● Picture of a loved one - 32% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American drivers/car owners who are also parents of school-aged kids was commissioned by Kelley Blue Book between March 24 and March 29, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Moms are confident in themselves as 73% feel they are the best mom in the world. According to a new survey of 2,000 moms, eight in 10 moms believe that they are the driving force of their family and that the family would be lost without them. When it comes to their superhero traits, moms are confident in their problem-solving (52%), nurturing (50%), multitasking (41%), organization/time management (36%), and communication (34%) skills. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Care.com, the survey found that 83% of moms look to other moms for support and advice finding it helpful. An additional 77% of moms reported feeling empowered when they see other moms sharing their hardships and experiences. When looking for advice on parenting or family-related topics, moms also turn to family members (56%), their partners (52%), online parenting forums (46%), online blogs (43%), and social media (36%). Online platforms and social media in particular are helpful as 71% of moms found that social media helped them discover new parenting strategies and techniques, and 78% think that online representations of moms are relatable in some ways. But there are also negative effects of social media use among moms, as 66% compare themselves to other parents online, and 62% to second guess their parenting decisions. Eight in 10 feel pressure to live up to the standards of parenting advice they see online. Moms suggest that moms can inspire one another by providing emotional support and encouragement (68%), being honest about the difficulties of motherhood (62%), and sharing advice and tips (53%). “There’s no one-size-fits-all parenting playbook, but this research suggests that moms want and benefit from community and connection with other moms,” said Maressa Brown, senior editor of Care.com. “They’re building a network of support they can lean on when dealing with the challenges and celebrating the joys that come with motherhood.” The biggest challenge moms face is managing their kid’s educational activities (53%) followed by a lack of time for self-care (51%) and financial struggles (48%). For those that prioritize self-care, 60% engage in hobbies or activities that make them happy, 49% try to get enough sleep and rest, and 42% connect with other moms for support and encouragement. Still, seven in 10 wish they had more time for themselves, and eight in 10 agree that moms would love to hire help for family and home responsibilities if they could get it. Despite that strong desire, there’s a stigma around hiring help, as 72% of moms agreed that they might feel guilty for accepting help, leading to feelings of failure. Despite these challenges, moms keep themselves motivated by using affirmations such as “I am a great mom, and my kids love me” (36%) and “I am doing the best I can, and that’s enough” (26%). TOP 5 SKILLS MOMS ARE CONFIDENT THEY HAVE ● Problem-solving - 52% ● Nurturing - 50% ● Multitasking 41% ● Organization/time management - 36% ● Communication - 34% TOP CHALLENGES MOMS FACE ● Managing your child's education and school-related activities -53% ● Lack of time for self-care and personal interests -51% ● Financial struggles and budgeting -48% ● Navigating your child's health and medical needs -45% ● Dealing with behavioral or disciplinary issues with your child -37% ● Balancing work and family responsibilities -34% BEST WAYS MOMS PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE ● I engage in hobbies or activities that make me happy -60% ● I try to get enough sleep and rest -49% ● I connect with other moms for support and encouragement -42% ● I exercise regularly -41% ● I practice mindfulness or meditation -40% ● I schedule alone time for myself regularly -36% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 US moms was commissioned by Care.com between March 24 and March 31, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

More than a third of employees spend an average of an hour a day working from bed (35%), according to new research. A survey of 2,000 people who work mostly or entirely remotely explored how working from home has evolved over the last few years. Prior to the pandemic, when respondents worked outside of the office, they reported working from a hotel (43%), a friend or family member’s home (36%) or coffee shop (28%). Nearly a third of those surveyed even worked from their car (28%) and others worked while wave-watching at the beach (8%). That mobile office mentality has given way to the home office. Now, most respondents work primarily from a dedicated home office (63%). Conducted by OnePoll for Office Depot, the survey found that 55% of people who recently moved did so, at least in part, because they needed a better home office workspace. The lack of a dedicated home workspace is even more of an issue for those who have had roommates. A quarter of those who live with others report needing more space since they share a workspace with other members of their household (25%), and 31% of these respondents said they have a hard time evenly dividing the time. In addition, creating a successful home office space that encourages productivity requires both time and money. The average remote worker has spent about $1,700 of their own money on equipment or tools to work more comfortably from home, with 30% claiming they have “remodeled” their workspace at least three times since they first started working from home. Respondents said the most underrated products for having a productive and enjoyable work environment are an adjustable chair (24%), a spacious desk with storage (22%), organizational tools like planners or desk organizers (10%) and a laptop stand/riser (9%). While working remotely may not be perfect for everyone, respondents said the pros outweighed the cons. They reported being able to dress comfortably (57%), having no commute (54%) and working on their own schedule (53%) as the top perks. And with more than three in four (77%) saying at least half of their time is spent in their home office compared to all the other rooms in their home, workers are looking to customize these spaces more than ever. “Working from home has evolved from makeshift workspaces using countertops and barstools to more thought-out home office setups that rival even the best corporate office spaces,” said Kevin Moffitt, president of Office Depot. “As fully remote and hybrid work models continue to gain momentum, we expect people will continue to invest in optimizing their home offices.” The evolution of remote work is evident. More than a third of those surveyed (35%) said that if they had to use the same home office setup they had when they first started working remotely, they would not even be able to do their job today. In terms of what prompted their decision to set up a dedicated home office space, most people did it to help make working easier or more efficient (63%) or because they needed a more comfortable workspace (52%), while 43% needed to remove distractions from their environment and another 37% needed more space to do their work. But not all respondents are comfortable with their current at-home workspace — 44% said that lately, their home just feels like their workplace and most agree that it still needs improvement (68%). Seven in 10 said there are still items that they haven’t purchased yet that would make their work-from-home life better, including storage (36%), office décor (34%) or a larger desk (34%). Others would love to add another monitor (30%) or a high-quality camera for video calls (27%). “The positive impacts of a comfortable and efficient home office environment cannot be overstated,” said Moffitt. Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 remote and hybrid employees who primarily work from home was commissioned by Office Depot between March 20 and March 23, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Nearly eight in 10 (78%) parents read their children the same books that were read to them as kids, new research suggests. A recent survey of 2,000 parents with school-age kids (ages 5–18) found that most claim to “always” or “often” read to their child before bedtime (63%), averaging four nights a week. When they do read to their kids at night, parents choose from an average of three books in their child’s “bedtime reads” collection.

It takes the average American four days and 19 minutes to completely clean and organize their entire home. Spring is here, and with it comes the annual ritual of cleaning and organizing which more than half of Americans (55%) engage in, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. The act of cleaning and organizing goes beyond just freshening up a home. Eight in 10 Americans believe that spring organizing makes them feel more in control of their life.

Seven in 10 (69%) Americans plan to retire, but of those who don't think they will, 42% believe that they will never have enough savings to do so. That’s according to a new survey of 2,000 adults split evenly by generation, where 22% of Gen Z, 19% of millennials and 18% of Gen X don’t believe retirement is in their future. Despite approaching their 60s, 37% of Gen Xers say they won’t be retiring within the next 10 years. In addition to their savings concerns, respondents plan to keep working in fear that they need their income to support their family (21%) or because they started planning too late (22%). About one-quarter (26%) admit the fact that they never started planning for retirement will likely deter them entirely. Seven in 10 (71%) of respondents feel they are behind on certain life goals they thought they’d reach by now. The goals include their living situation (51%), career path (47%) and starting a family (41%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Prudential, results found 52% also admit they’ve fallen short of the amount of retirement savings they planned to have by now. And the retirement planning mindset varies greatly by generation. Forty-five percent of Gen Zers started thinking about retirement before the age of 20 and another 33% had it top of mind in their 20s. On the flip side, one in 10 Gen Xers admit they still haven’t started thinking about it, more than any other generation. Almost one-third (29%) of Gen Z think about retirement “always”, while 50% of baby boomers say it crosses their mind “often.” However, if respondents were hypothetically to retire tomorrow, millennials feel the most prepared (71%), compared to 66% of Gen Z and 62% of Gen Xers. “The survey data show that many Americans need help when it comes to reaching their retirement and other financial goals,” said Michelle Samuel, head of Prudential Financial's Direct-to-Consumer business. “Many people have been saving, but they want a better handle on where they are. Others aren't confident they'll be able to stop working, and they need guidance to show them a path to retirement.” Almost one third of Americans (28%) said that they do not have a strong understanding of what to do to plan for retirement. This was not a surprising finding when many aren’t familiar with the most common financial products used in retirement planning. More than half of Americans (59%) don’t have a 401(k), one of the primary savings vehicles for retirement. Of those who do, 21% don’t know how much money they have. On top of that, the majority of respondents either don’t have or don’t know what IRAs (65%) or annuities (72%) are. Two in five (42%) don’t have life insurance and another 11% don't know what it is. Retirement is not the only area where people aren't planning in advance. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents spend less than a year planning for major financial decisions, with 15% of Gen Zers spending one week or less. “The good news is that there are places people can turn to for help. Consumers can tap into online tools to get a better read on where they stand and some next steps," said Samuel. “They can also find a trusted advisor, including virtual advisors who make it easy to get people started from the comfort of their home.” TOP GOALS EACH GENERATION FEELS BEHIND ON Gen Z ● My salary – 61% ● Retirement savings – 57% ● My education level – 56% Millennials ● The amount of money I have in savings – 56% ● Retirement savings – 52% ● My salary – 51% Gen X ● The amount of money I have in savings – 54% ● Retirement savings – 49% ● My living situation – 48% Baby boomers ● The amount of money I have in savings – 63% ● Retirement savings – 51% ● My living situation – 49% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) was commissioned by Prudential between March 23 and March 28, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Is it time to upgrade your wardrobe? A new study has revealed what’s warming up, what’s hot, and what should stay in the back of your closet. The poll of 2,000 US adults found many are predicting future fashion trends to focus on a rise for tie-dye (35%), shirt pockets (33%) and portrait photography (33%). Meanwhile, the best current trends when it comes to custom apparel are to have clothing featuring either quotes (32%), bright colors (31%) or logos on the front (31%).

According to a new survey, three in four Americans are experiencing FOODMO — the fear of missing out on new food trends. The poll of 2,000 Americans who use social media found 77% felt food-related FOMO and nearly as many (75%) said they instantly crave food when they see it online. To prevent the fear of missing out, half of respondents (57%) have attempted to make recipes they found online, and on average make four online recipes per month. Fifty-four percent had their last social media inspired meal within two weeks previous to taking the survey. According to the survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of EnvyTM Apples, social media plays a significant role in the recipes people are drawn to make — on average, people feel the need to post their meal on social six times a month. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they use YouTube and Facebook the most when it comes to finding trendy food inspiration. Given the average respondent spends four hours of their day on social media, food content comes across their social at least seven times throughout the day. The average person follows at least 10 food-related accounts on social media, as a result. Some respondents wanted to go above and beyond just looking at food content. Sixty-seven percent would want to become a snack influencer if they had the chance. "Many people often think you have to compromise taste and flavor in order to eat ‘healthy,’ but this mentality of thinking you have to sacrifice is often what leads us to crave the foods we deem ‘unhealthy’ and drives our FOMO when you see an indulgent snack on social media that you would rather be having,” said Ashley Hawk, dietitian, and Food Network star from the TV show ‘How Healthy Happens.’ “My simple advice to my followers and clients on how to combat this is to start with whole foods that are naturally delicious and use them as the backbone of your recipe. “For example, instead of going straight for that slice of cheesecake, try a cheesecake dip and use fresh apple slices to dip with it. This allows you to still indulge in the sweet flavors we all crave, but the fiber and other nutrients from the apples will actually allow you to feel satiated and avoid overindulging.” The survey also revealed a decisive split for whether or not snacks should be healthy or indulgent. For 61%, healthy recipes are appealing because of their perceived taste, while nearly as many opt for healthy recipes due to how simple they are to make (60%) and how easy it is to share with others (49%). Meanwhile, 62% like the appeal of “indulgent” recipes — also for being simple to make (61%) and perceived taste (59%). However, 41% who prefer indulgent recipes like its inherent trendiness and Instagramability. Sixty-nine percent find themselves “liking” and “favoriting” healthy recipes they spot on social media. By comparison, 63% like and favorite the indulgent recipes they see online. Even when it comes to their own recipes, 73% admitted they spend extra time preparing their meals just to make them more picturesque for social media. When trying out a new recipe, 46% of respondents enjoyed the meal for themselves, but also shared the meal with their family (25%) or friends (10%). “With searches for healthy recipes being just as popular as searches for indulgent recipes on social media, it’s clear consumers don’t want to miss out on either,” said Cecilia Flores Paez, Head of Marketing at EnvyTM Apples. “There is a real sense of FOMO when it comes to flavor, which is why taste is important to consumers—even when it comes to the purest form of snacks, such as an apple.” TOP 5 FEELINGS THAT ARISE WHEN PEOPLE SEE FOOD CONTENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA I feel impressed that someone can make that dish - 43% I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride for the person who made it - 42% I feel inspired to make my own food - 41% I feel envious of the person who gets to eat it - 39% I feel hungry - 35% TOP 5 TYPES OF FOOD INFLUENCERS PEOPLE FOLLOW Professional chefs - 50% Restaurant influencers - 49% Amateur home cooks - 48% Baking influencers - 47% Fitness/health professionals - 45% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans who use social media was commissioned by EnvyTM Apples between February 8 and February 10, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

More than three in five Americans feel the best trips are spontaneous trips. That’s according to a new survey of 2,045 adults with travel plans this year, where 67% enjoy trips more if they happen on a whim. One in five (22%) even base their travel on personal preference and spontaneous decision-making. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motel 6, the survey also showed that many respondents don’t seem to care where they go, they just want to go. Almost three-quarters (73%) would be willing to take a trip to a surprise destination. Three-quarters (75%) agree that when traveling, the journey is just as much fun as the actual destination. When asked about companions, more than three in four (78%) travelers prefer to travel with other people, while almost one in three (28%) are planning to travel with pets. And typical “travel season” may be a thing of the past — almost half of Americans (47%) are equally likely to travel during peak seasons, like the summer and holidays, as they are during the off-season or weekdays. And 29% noted they even prefer to travel during those quieter times. Visiting family and friends (53%), needing a break from life (50%) and the desire to explore a new city (35%) are some of the top reasons for planned trips. And these aren’t just quick trips down the road, as 70% are planning to travel more than three hours from their hometown. On average, travelers feel excited (74%), joyful (50%) and energized (49%) at the start of a trip and relaxed (38%) by the time they’re ready to head home. “Taking a last-minute getaway is a great way to add some joy into your life,” said Julie Arrowsmith, President and Interim CEO of Motel 6. “For those seeking a new adventure this summer, they can rest easy knowing that we are here to provide a clean, comfortable and affordable place to stay so travelers can spend more on the actual experiences and events that brought them to the destination.” More than two in five (44%) say they are changing up their travel experiences this year. Of those respondents, 57% will be traveling to a new destination. Another 34% plan to hit more than one place in a single trip and 32% are taking longer vacations than ever before. But when it comes to budgeting, travelers are saving money on the road this year by traveling during the off-season and avoiding weekend travel (33%) and bringing their own snacks instead of purchasing them (32%) on the road. Nearly one in three (30%) are opting for more budget-friendly lodging and others are avoiding tourist hotspots in favor of a more local experience (24%). Of those traveling this year, nearly half (49%) plan to stay at a hotel or motel and when booking accommodations, and two-thirds (66%) say rewards programs are important to them when traveling. Thanks to the money saved on budget-friendly lodging, 43% of travelers are planning to spend big on experiences like tours and dining out. “A vacation doesn’t have to break the bank in order to be memorable,” added Arrowsmith. “There are many ways travelers can save while on the road from opting for more budget-friendly accommodations, utilizing rewards programs and packing their own refreshments, nothing should stand in the way of the trip of a lifetime.” Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,045 people with travel plans was commissioned by Motel 6 between Feb. 22 and Feb. 27, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Want to get your kids to eat their vegetables? Eat your own first. A recent survey of 2,000 parents to children ages six and younger found that 53% have noticed their kids eating unwanted vegetables specifically to mimic them. Overall, 78% believe their children learned their table manners specifically by imitating them at the table. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Stokke, the survey found that 82% feel it’s important for their child to sit at the same table as them during mealtimes, and that 80% described eating with their child as one of their favorite ways to bond. Most respondents began feeding their children solid food between 6 to 12 months of age, but didn’t synchronize their meal schedules together until their child was between 13-23 months old. Once they did, however, they described themselves as less likely to make different meals for them and their children (45%), instead opting to eat the same foods together (75%). Almost half (48%) reportedly never make separate meals for themselves and their children, making it five times more popular than always making separate meals (7%). And although fewer people (72%) said it’s important that their meals are eaten at an actual dining or kitchen table, that kitchen table also ranked high among the most potent places for bonding time to occur (45%), just behind bedtime (47%). “Every interaction is a window of opportunity for learning and development,” said Johanne Smith-Nielsen, Associate Professor Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist at the University of Copenhagen. In fact, 70% of respondents said they frequently notice their child learning from their own behavior. The most commonly adopted manners kids typically learn from their parents include using “please” and “thank you” (42%), eating with their mouths closed (42%), and figuring out how to use utensils (41%). But it’s not just during mealtime, as 73% have witnessed their child use the same language as them in conversations, picking up complex words and phrases like “predicament” or “appropriate,” in addition to common expressions like “thank you” or “excuse me.” “I think that it’s so heartwarming when a child shows gratitude for the little things,” one parent said in an open-ended response. It’s a great gift that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.” Overall, a whopping 81% of parents are very aware that the conversations they have with their child have an impact. “The table is where real growth occurs. It’s where we take the time to slow down, connect, listen, and learn from each other,” said a spokesperson from Stokke. “Sitting together at eye level throughout childhood allows them to bond, connect, and form deeper relationships.” MOST COMMONLY UNDERSTOOD TABLE RULES AMONG KIDS 0-6: 1. Using “please” and “thank you” - 42% 2. Eating with their mouth closed - 42% 3. Learning how to hold utensils - 41% 4. Asking nicely for second servings - 39% 5. Finishing what’s on their plate - 39% 6. Letting others talk - 35% 7. Not screaming - 34% 8. Not burping - 29% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American parents of children ages 0-6 was commissioned by Stokke between March 24 and March 30, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Seven in 10 Americans admit that they treat their own home better than they treat the planet. However, there is hope as people are trying to reduce their carbon footprints by taking steps like installing energy-efficient appliances (55%), cutting down on single-use plastics (47%), and buying locally sourced and organic produce (44%), according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. Gen Z expressed the most concern for the future of the planet (78%), followed by Millennials (67%), and found this concern to be the top motivator for making environmentally conscious choices.

“You make it, you recycle it” — a new survey found half of Americans claim major companies need to be accountable for climate action. A poll of 2,000 US adults revealed 48% think corporations should be held more responsible for the waste their products generate. Likewise, 63% believe it’s important for companies to have a strong stance for sustainability and nearly as many (62%) agree they should be the leaders in sustainability efforts and climate action. Respondents shared the actions they would like to see companies take regarding their waste stream: safely and securely destroy hazardous materials (59%), reuse and recycle materials when possible (58%) and make products with recyclable materials (53%). Six in 10 (63%) believe companies that are sustainably focused can make a difference in the global climate crisis, and 62% predict companies will put more effort into sustainability within the next five years. Commissioned by Covanta, an innovative resource in sustainable materials management, and conducted by OnePoll, the study found three in five are inspired by eco-friendly companies and 58% are more likely to shop from a company that sustainably manages the waste their products generate. For four in 10, sustainability is the “most important” factor to them when it comes to shopping. Forty-six percent believe items made from recycled materials are better than traditionally manufactured items. Meanwhile, 45% would be willing to spend more money on products that are sustainably made than those that aren’t. Over half (56%) are also more likely to shop from a company that uses recycled materials in its products. “It’s clear that a majority of individuals care about the environment and want to take actions to fight climate change, but there’s a major challenge in the way,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Tequila Smith at Covanta. “Corporations have a massive impact on the environment, whether they’re aware of it or not, added Smith. “And it’s in their favor — as well as in the favor of the planet and its people alike — to be responsible for the waste they generate. They can achieve this by utilizing sustainable service options that maximize product reuse that contributes to the circular economy.” The results also found that 91% of Americans take part in some sort of sustainability practice either in their home or neighborhood — recycling everything that they can (65%), bringing their own bag while shopping (51%) and recycling their electronics (44%). Yet despite the large number of people who take part, 54% believe their personal sustainability actions have little to no impact on the environment at a larger scale. Fifty-three percent said they’d be more inclined to be sustainable in their own home or neighborhood if they saw a large company take a stronger stance on climate action. Many respondents said they have a positive view of companies that make sustainable products (40%) and provide support for their surrounding communities (40%). “Aside from the ecological benefits, companies should come to realize the other, lesser-known benefits that come from taking meaningful actions towards sustainability,” Smith continued. “There is a clear ‘want’ people have for products made sustainably and a level of inspiration that people gain when they see a company they like doing something good for the environment.”

People who are spiritually fulfilled are nearly twice as likely to believe in the “law of attraction” and that they have control over their own happiness. That’s according to a recent survey of 2,000 Americans, 74% of whom subscribe to the popular new age theory that positive thinking will yield positive experiences. People who identified as spiritually fulfilled were nearly twice as likely to believe in the law of attraction as those who weren’t (86% vs 45%). Similarly, these same respondents, who made up 69% of those polled, were more likely to claim that they have control over their own happiness (86% vs 44%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Behold Retreats, the survey also found plenty of support for other spiritual concepts like karma (69%), fate (75%) and the existence of a higher power (85%). Regardless of their level of fulfillment, a whopping 90% even believe “that each of us have the ability to choose what kind of person we become.” Although most respondents were raised in a specific organized religion (63%) that they still culturally identify with (60%), only one in five (21%) still actively follow that same religion today. And while 44% self-identified as being religious, almost twice as many (79%) consider themselves spiritual – and of those, half (50%) feel more spiritual than they do religious. Overall, 76% believe it’s possible to be spiritually fulfilled without following a specific religion, including 86% of those who already feel fulfilled themselves. “No matter how much one succeeds in life, fulfillment and happiness are states of being that can only originate from within,” said Jonathan de Potter, founder of Behold Retreats. “The reality is, we all face some struggles in times of change, and these findings indicate we can all benefit from a stronger commitment to self-discovery, positive thinking, and spiritual practices.” The survey found that the most common struggles were feeling anxious (40%) and stuck (39%), a sense of overwhelm (39%), and three in 10 (36%) claimed to frequently experience frustration. Interestingly, the data showed that those who already feel fulfilled were twice as likely to have tried some sort of psychedelic treatment (23% vs. 10%). Compared to a previous study from 2021, respondents were slightly more interested in the idea of trying psychedelics in 2022, particularly “magic mushrooms,” or psilocybin (44% vs. 37%). Results also indicated a slight increase in interest with 5-MeO-DMT (19% vs. 14%), also known as the “God Molecule,” broadly considered the most potent psychedelic medicine. “Working with 5-MeO-DMT, Ayahuasca, and Psilocybin in a safe and sacred setting, like a retreat, can be a powerful and transformative experience,” said de Potter. “But it’s not for everyone, and a holistic approach is crucial. The key to ongoing improvements to quality of life and fulfillment is healthy daily practices that continue to deepen our self-understanding and an embodied connection to spirit.” MOST POPULAR SPIRITUAL PRACTICES 1. Prayer - 60% 2. Meditation - 57% 3. Performing acts of service - 49% 4. Deep breathing - 47% 5. Positive affirmations - 42% 6. Connecting with nature - 42% 7. Attending a religious service - 40% 8. Yoga - 39% 9. Journalling - 38% 10. Manifestation - 38% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Behold Retreats between Nov. 18–19, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

The average American spends nearly $3,000 a year on unused groceries, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults found that on average, those who do grocery shopping for their household spend $248 on weekly groceries, and one in 10 claim that they spend even more — upwards of $500. Of that, people usually end up throwing away about $63 worth of weekly groceries. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of HelloFresh, the survey found that when respondents do cook, a quarter of them “always” or “often” make more food than they’re able to finish, usually with the intention of having leftovers (83%). On average, people have leftovers to put into their fridges three times a week; however, they don’t always get around to using them up. Nearly a third of Americans admit they’re likely to forget about leftovers once they’re out of sight (32%). Forgetting about food is one of the top reasons people end up having food waste (35%), along with leftovers not being popular among members of their household (23%). While 43% prefer to eat their leftovers until they’re finished, a quarter of respondents admitted they get tired of eating the same thing before they’re able to finish (24%). “With inflation contributing to record high food costs, wasting groceries each week hurts both the environment and consumers’ wallets,” said Jeffrey Yorzyk, senior director of sustainability at HelloFresh. “Families cook with the best intention of using their leftovers, but our research shows that they are generally not consuming all of those leftovers. Getting creative with the food in your fridge can help families feel like they’re eating something new and exciting!” And 38% revealed that they’ve thrown food away simply because they didn’t feel like eating it after purchasing it. Waste starts even before shoppers get home, as a fifth of respondents shared that they often overestimate how much food they’ll use when grocery shopping (19%). In fact, 23% of people who go grocery shopping wind up purchasing at least five food items a week that they wish they could get in smaller quantities, like bunches of grapes or strands of herbs. With these foods, a similar percentage (22%) are not confident that they know the best ways to store foods to maximize freshness. According to respondents, the hardest foods to use up are lettuce (27%), bananas (23%) and milk (21%). Thirty-five percent of those surveyed said they throw away more food than they want to and a majority admitted that they’re riddled with guilt when this happens (73%). Consequently, seven in 10 are trying to cut down on food waste with the hopes of saving money (60%), being less wasteful (52%) and increasing food availability to those who need it (26%). Some of the ways people have considered cutting down on food waste are by using leftovers creatively (55%), creating a meal plan (37%) or composting (17%). Although individuals want to cut down on food waste, only a quarter of respondents currently compost their scraps. “We’re inspired by the fact that 70% of individuals care about food waste,” said Yorzyk. “Cooking with meal kits which provide pre-portioned ingredients, composting food waste and using ‘ugly’ produce are great ways to help you cut back on waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.” HARDEST INGREDIENTS/FOODS TO USE UP 1. Lettuce — 27% 2. Bananas — 23% 3. Milk — 21% 4. Apples — 21% 5. Bread — 21% 6. Avocado — 17% 7. Deli items (meat, cheese, prepared foods, etc.) — 16% 8. Eggs — 16% 9. Meat — 15% 10. Carrots — 14% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by HelloFresh between March 23 and March 27, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Ninety percent of pet owners want only the best for their furry companions, recognizing that pets are more than just companions. It’s no secret that pets hold a special place in their owners’ hearts, as eight in 10 said that their pets are their number one source of joy, according to a survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners. Pets give so much more than just love and loyalty to their parents, whether it's helping them become more mature (48%), teaching them patience (45%), or improving their overall mental health (43%). It's no wonder that six in 10 pet owners admit to confiding in their pets when they have a bad day and prefer to snuggle up with them instead of their partners. The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of PetSafe, found that parents love showering their pets with appreciation and spoiling them throughout the year, as 78% admit they have a hard time saying no to their pets. Seven in 10 cat and dog owners believe their furry friends live like kings and queens, which explains why they indulge them with luxuries like designer clothing and custom-made beds (49%) and take them to high-end pet spas (44%). According to the survey, pets have their own demands too, with their favorite activities being running or playing in the backyard (47%) and playing fetch (44%). Pet owners love seeing their pets play and have fun but also prioritize their pets' mental and physical well-being. Nearly half (49%) actively seek ways to provide their furry companions with enough mental stimulation. Even when pet parents are not at home, they worry about their pets' safety, with 52% expressing concern. This is why pet owners invest in safety measures such as pet doors and electronic pet fences, with 17% citing them as essential. Forty-three percent would also put up a wireless fence system for their pet to promote safety while they are outdoors. "Pet parents are continuously evolving in the ways they show their day-to-day appreciation for their pets," Karla Attanasio, global marketing director of PetSafe, said. "Apart from providing indoor care and pampering, cat and dog owners are increasingly prioritizing the creation of safe outdoor spaces for their pets. This way, they can enjoy the physical and emotional benefits that come with being out in nature." Pet owners love to indulge their pets with toys and special treats. On average, pet owners buy their pets a toy twice a month, and 76% report that their pet becomes more energetic after receiving a special treat or toy. For pet owners, their pets' unique personalities (44%), cuteness (42%), loyalty (38%), intelligence (35%), and ability to provide emotional support (33%) are the most important things. Pet parents prioritize their pets' well-being and are willing to go the extra mile to show their love and appreciation. "Pets are part of the family," Attanasio said. "We're seeing more and more people slim spending on other household categories so they can continue to provide their pets with the very best and most innovative product solutions." TOP 3 WAYS PET OWNERS SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION TO THEIR PETS ● Buying pets designer clothing or accessories -49% ● Taking pets to a high-end pet spa -44% ● Setting up a wireless fence system at home -43% FIVE THINGS ALL PET OWNERS NEED ● Pet door -17% ● Electronic pet fence -17% ● Pet fountain -14% ● No pull leash -13% ● Automatic pet feeder -13% BEST WAYS PETS HELP THEIR OWNER GROW ● Become more mature -48% ● To be patient -45% ● To be more compassionate -43% ● Improved mental health -43%, ● Become more active -40% ● Become more responsible -33% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 pet owners was commissioned by PetSafe between March 29 and March 31, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

Seven in ten Americans think they aren’t getting enough nutrients in their diet, new research suggests. In a recent survey of 2,000 U.S. residents, 70% are convinced their body is currently lacking in some key vitamin or nutrient, causing them to feel unmotivated (56%) and slower than usual (56%). Another 42% have self-diagnosed themselves with some sort of food allergy or intolerance, most commonly shellfish (56%), nuts (28%) or wheat (48%). Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of online health and wellness retailer iHerb, the survey also revealed that the vitamins Americans are most concerned about missing are the same ones they feel are the most important. Ironically, the most abundant mineral in the body is also the one that the greatest number of respondents are concerned about: Calcium, which is found in bones and teeth and helps to carry out many important functions. Of those polled, 56% feel calcium is one of the top five most essential nutrients in the body – and 42% are worried that they aren’t getting enough of it. Similarly, respondents were also worried about getting enough Vitamin C (42%), iron (41%), and Vitamin B12 (41%). And they might have every reason to be concerned, according to naturopathic doctor Michael T. Murray, iHerb’s Chief Scientific Advisor. “Data analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey suggests that 39% of people consume less than the average required amount of calcium that they need,” said Murray. “And that’s just one nutrient – the data also suggests that people aren’t getting enough Vitamins C, D or E and minerals like iron and magnesium from either the foods they eat or from supplements they take.” Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents have also tried modifying their diet to see if it would help with an undiagnosed food-related condition. Most (29%) only lasted three to four months on that modified diet, and only 17% could continue their modified diet for longer than six months. In fact, the survey suggests that people are more likely to try a new diet based on the promise of weight loss (48%) than on claims backed by medical research (40%). Maybe that’s why fatigue in particular remains a pervasive issue among those polled, with the average person feeling a lack of energy almost three days a week. One in four (27%) even admitted that the last time they felt healthy was more than a year ago “Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients, meaning the body cannot function properly without them. They also function interactively and codependently,” said Murray. “What this means is that a deficiency of any single vitamin or mineral disrupts this complex system. Nutrient deficiency of any kind must be avoided to achieve and maintain health. Taking a multiple vitamin and mineral formula provides a sort of nutritional insurance that you are giving your body some of the tools that it needs to be healthy. ” TOP TEN NUTRIENTS AMERICAN THINK THEY’RE LACKING 1. Calcium - 44% 2. Vitamin C - 42% 3. Iron - 41% 4. Vitamin B12 - 41% 5. Zinc - 37% 6. Vitamin A - 34% 7. Iodine - 33% 8. Vitamin D - 33% 9. Magnesium - 23% 10. Potassium - 23% Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by iHerb between March 22 and March 24, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).