A recent study of 2,000 adults discovered that nearly half of Brits are more inclined to discuss their feelings during a walk. The research, conducted by Three UK in support of Samaritans’ ‘Dawn Walk’, found that walking was rated as the best time to open up by 46% of respondents, with 24% preferring to talk over a meal.
Interestingly, 30% of participants stated a preference for sharing their feelings over the phone to avoid seeing the other person’s reaction. This preference for discussing emotions during activities aligns with the upcoming 5k ‘Dawn Walk’ challenge from 10th – 13th October, marking World Mental Health Day and promoting wellbeing while raising funds for Samaritans.
Juliet Callaghan from Three UK highlighted that walking provides a comfortable setting for those struggling to express their feelings in face-to-face conversations. The study revealed that 34% of adults find it difficult to share their emotions as they don’t want to burden others, while 26% fear judgement if they open up about their concerns.
Moreover, the research showed that 32% of individuals feel at ease sharing personal experiences with strangers, such as trained professionals. In another finding, having a pint at the pub was recognised as one of the top places for Brits to have emotional conversations.
The study also underscored that a majority of people are supportive listeners, with 58% having a reliable support system to confide in. However, only 20% feel highly confident expressing their emotions verbally. Callaghan noted that many people find it easier to discuss their feelings over the phone in today’s fast-paced world, as it eliminates the pressure of face-to-face interactions.
The survey outlined the top 10 places where Brits feel comfortable opening up, including going for a walk, having a drink at the pub, and connecting over meals. Samaritans shared their top listening tips (SHUSH), emphasising the importance of showing care, having patience, using open questions, summarising what the other person said, and being courageous.
The ‘Dawn Walk’ initiative aims to encourage people to embrace activities that promote their mental wellbeing while fostering open conversations about emotions. As Brits continue to navigate their comfort zones for sharing feelings, initiatives like these play a crucial role in supporting mental health awareness and positive communication practices.