Best intent for 2016 Less stress!

More and more Germans are going into the new year with good intentions for their health
The turn of the year is time for many people to make good intentions, which they want to implement in the coming year. "In recent years, the number of people who want to do more for their health after the turn of the year increased," said the current DAK Health Communication. But the goals should be realistic, to avoid pre-programmed disappointment.

More and more people start according to the DAK with good intentions for their health in the new year. Less stress, more exercise, stop smoking or a healthy diet - many Germans take the turn of the year as a reason for changes in their lives. But it's hard to keep up, especially if the goals are too high. "Better to set few realistic goals and achieve them, than pursue too many utopian projects," advises the DAK doctor Elisabeth Thomas. So the motivation to increase and the chances to stay in the long term would be increased significantly.

Reduce stress is the most common good resolution for the year 2016. (Image: puhhha / fotolia.com)

Avoid stress most often good intention
According to a recent representative DAK survey, most Germans want less stress for the year 2016, in particular. For example, 62 percent of respondents said they would work to reduce or avoid stress in the coming year, according to the DAK. Three years ago, this value was still at 57 percent. In particular, the 30- to 59-year-olds seem to be increasingly under stress, according to the health insurance company. In this age group, 70 percent of the respondents had planned to specifically reduce stress in the new year. Other common good intentions were: spend more time with friends and family (61 percent of respondents), more physical activity (59 percent of respondents), weight loss (35 percent of respondents) and quit smoking (14 percent of respondents).

Increased approval for all good intentions
All in all, good intentions show a higher level of approval, DAK continues. However, there are significant differences in the different age groups. While older respondents cite the avoidance of stress and spending time with family and friends as good intentions, respondents aged 14 to 19 are clearly interested in other aspects. They often want to be more economical, less use the mobile phone, Internet or computer and less television.

Different motivation for good intentions
In terms of motivating their intentions, 62 percent of respondents said their personal feelings were crucial. Often it was an acute illness (in 47 percent of respondents) or even the initiation of a doctor (45 percent of respondents) in the background. However, 38 percent of the interviewees did not name their own feelings, but the solicitation of the partner as a reason for the good intentions. Especially men (45 percent) were more influenced by their partners.

Holding on is difficult
The survey also reveals that only about one in two consistently stick to their good intentions, according to the DAK. Men seem to be a little stronger in their will (57 percent) than women, reports the health insurance company. The DAK offers its insured special support in the implementation of good intentions, for example with online coaching for more exercise and relaxation, so the perseverance succeeds better. (Fp)