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The rise of 'He-tail
therapy', as men in Liverpool now spend £1083 on pick me up shopping trips
MODERN men in Liverpool are adopting
"he-tail
therapy" to beat the stresses and strains of every day life; according to a
new study. Research found that more than 8 out of 10 British men are now as
enthusiastic as women about hitting the shops to make themselves feel better.
According to the figures, the average Liverpool man embarks on retail therapy
missions, in store and online, on average 6 times a month to cheer themselves
up. It also emerged that 36% feel a 'lasting buzz' from shopping for
themselves. And it isn't just about spending on fashion items; digital
accessories, holidays, music and movies all featured in the list of things that
make men in Liverpool feel good to buy.
The study shows overall 75% of men in Liverpool indulge in retail therapy on a
regular basis. 30% claimed they resort to shopping because they 'feel down',
while 26% claimed they do so out of 'boredom'. But the effects of
shopping seem to be mainly positive for the men of Liverpool; and long lasting.
Asked to describe the emotions involved in purchasing something new, 23% said
they felt 'considerably happier'. 38% said it left them feeling
'excited' and 25% felt a sense of 'achievement'.
When it comes to the thrill of owning a new piece of clothing or gadget, it
emerged 23% men in Liverpool only enjoy it up until they wear or use it. 12%
said they felt 'relief' once they had parted with their cash and fourteen
percent said they experienced a feeling of a 'weight being lifted'.
"These findings are in line with research conducted by my own laboratory.
In our studies we record brain activity, heart rate and skin conductance, a very
sensitive measure of arousal. Our data shows a spike in excitement levels when
purchasing a product that particularly attracts them. Heart rate increases as
does skin conductance while their brain waves show high levels of attention.
These changes are produced by increases in both adrenalin, a hormone that
prepares the body for action, and a brain chemical called dopamine. This
neurotransmitter has been dubbed the 'pleasure pedal' because it produces
feelings of intense delight, euphoria even. It is these powerful and positive
sensations that lie behind the male desire to shop until they drop. A
decade ago most men's aim was to get in and out of the store as swiftly as
possible, but this survey clearly demonstrates these attitudes have now changed
as increasing numbers discover the joys of 'he-tail' therapy." comments psychologist Dr David Lewis, Chairman of the Sussex based consultancy
Mindlab International.
But 48% said they felt guilty after their bout of "he-tail"
therapy. The
study also uncovered a culture of sneak purchases; items that are bought and
then hidden from their partners. 21% of Liverpool's males said they hadn't told
their other ½ after making a purchase.
The good news for the partners of men in Liverpool who took part in the survey
is that 49% are completely honest about what they buy and how much it costs.
Cost wise the average Liverpool man spends £1083 a year on shopping sprees.
Yesterday Vix Leyton, spokeswoman for cashback and rewards site Quidco, which
carried out the research among almost 2,000 British men, said:- "Retail
therapy, whilst still seen by some as a woman's domain, is actually natural for
both sexes. Treating yourself to impulse buys every now and again is often seen
as a quick win for a happiness boost, particularly if your day hasn't gone to
plan. But shoppers shouldn't make themselves prisoners to 'pick me up' bargains
and risk ending up with things they don't need. With the right amount of
research and more 'thoughtful' purchasing, you can buy something that cheers you
up beyond the labels coming off.What's more, the buzz of getting a really good deal on something you actually
want and, by using cashback, getting money back for what you buy somewhere in
future, you get a halo effect for future happiness."
Firearm was recovered from River Alt
MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for information after what
is believed to be a firearm was recovered from a river in Aintree. Offices were
called to the scene at 6pm, on Wednesday, 26 August 2015, after a member of the
public reported finding the weapon; which appears to be a rifle; in the River
Alt, near to Wango Lane. The weapon was recovered and a search of the area is to
be carried out by the Underwater Search Unit. Detective Inspector Mike Leyland
said:- "We need to establish if it is a fully active weapon with a view to
conducting further examinations." Anyone with information can call the force's
gun crime hotline on:- 0800 230 0600 or the Crimestoppers line, anonymously,
on:- 0800 555 111. |
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Young Gardeners Throw in the
Trowel
GARDENERS in the North West are losing
their green fingers as 90% of young people struggle to identify common garden
plants, new research reveals.
A study of 2,000 Brits aged 25 to 35 found that time pressures and lack of
knowledge meant that the majority struggle when it comes to nurturing their
gardens. Almost 90% of those living in the North West couldn't identify a tulip
when shown a picture of 1, while 82% struggled with a geranium. Perhaps that's
why just 1% of those polled described their gardening skill as 'very good'.
The study by Origin, a British bi-fold and window designer and manufacturer,
found that the traditional style of UK gardens in the region is changing as a
result, with the new generation of homeowners favouring minimalist gardens with
less maintenance.
Other plants young residents in the region can't get to grips with were jasmine,
which stumped three quarters of respondents, while 58% couldn't spot a fuchsia.
Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, said:-
"The study shows
there is a lack of engagement between the younger generation and gardening, a
gap in knowledge that is growing.
From naming the common flowers to identifying basic gardening tools and
processes, it's important we don't lose the connection and passion for our
outdoor spaces.
A lack of enjoyment or interest in maintaining a garden usually comes from
people not knowing where to start. That's why nurturing an interest in gardening
and showing the rewards that outdoor space can bring is essential, even growing
plants in small spaces, such as a window box, can be fun and productive; you
just need a little sunshine and some imagination!"
And though over 82% could spot a buttercup, over a third under 35's living in
the North West had no idea what a garden hoe looked like. While over
½ had no
idea that a dandelion is a weed, results showed. Over a quarter of those polled
had tried to grow plants, only for them to die just weeks later as a result of
not knowing their gardening basics. Perhaps it's no wonder then that 53%
described themselves as either poor or terrible when it comes to gardening
skills and knowledge. And a further 90% said their garden is currently in
need of attention. Nearly ¾ said that they do 'the minimum amount
possible' to maintain their outdoor space.
While the younger generation are split when it comes to enjoying gardening or
not; 56% don't really enjoy getting green fingers. But the gap in knowledge is
what is most likely to take its toll; over half of those who don't like
gardening said it was mainly because they are 'clueless' around the
topic.
In fact, when asked what age people finally get the hang of gardening,
respondents said it wasn't until the age of 40. As a result, Origin has created
a series of 'how to' videos with Jack Shilley, who at the age of 19 is
already the Director of the Young Horts society and a RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Gold winner.
Brocklesby added:- "The research has revealed how the millennial
generation is struggling to grow a basic pot plant and, in some cases, can't
tell a weed from a flower. That's why we've launched a series of simple 'how to'
videos to get them started. The series will give them the skills and confidence
to keep great British gardens alive, and improve the views from their 1st
homes."
TOP 20 GARDENING JOBS BRITS NEGLECT TO DO...
Weeding
Dead heading
Cutting the grass
Pruning flowers or plants
Digging flowerbeds
Choosing plants or flowers for the garden
Planting at the right time of year
Watering flowers/plants
Generally keeping a garden clean and tidy
Arranging flowers or plants in flowerbeds
Keeping the plants or flowers alive
Maintaining hanging baskets
Planting vegetables
Digging and preparing a vegetable patch
Fertilizing the garden
Planting flowers or plants
Planting hanging baskets
Building a shed or greenhouse
Watering vegetables
Arranging garden ornaments
So what so you 'forget' to do in
the garden? Please email us and let us know to:-
news24@southportreporter.com.
For further information on the Origin Great
Gardening Gap, please visit:-
Origin-Global.Com. |
