In an increasingly fast-paced world, the importance of dedicating moments to oneself for mental well-being is becoming ever more apparent. Recent findings from a 2025 YouGov and Virgin Active survey indicate that nearly six out of ten individuals express a desire to reduce anxiety and enhance emotional management, while half seek ways to address stress by nurturing their mental health. This sentiment is echoed by Censis, reporting that 62% of the Italian population yearns for daily personal time. This collective aspiration underscores a critical need for self-care, a concept Virgin Active actively promotes, especially in light of World Mental Health Day.
However, achieving this balance is fraught with challenges. Data from Istat reveals that the average individual has merely 4 hours and 54 minutes daily for leisure activities. Psychologist Lara Pelagotti identifies mental barriers, such as perceiving self-care as laziness or fearing others' disappointment, further complicating matters. These issues are particularly prevalent among younger generations, who are constantly connected to digital stimuli. Encouragingly, there's a positive shift, with 40% of Virgin Active's under-26 members opting for balance-focused disciplines like yoga and pilates, signaling a growing desire for restorative breaks.
In response to these challenges, Virgin Active launched the "Virgin Active Reset" initiative for World Mental Health Day, advocating for individuals to disengage from stressors, even if only for brief periods, to prioritize mental wellness. Psychologist Lara Pelagotti emphasizes that personal time is not a luxury but a fundamental step toward safeguarding mental health. The initiative includes masterclasses in sound baths, yoga, pilates, and mindfulness at Virgin Active clubs, alongside campaigns promoting the significance of resetting and slowing down. This aligns with Virgin Active's longstanding commitment to a holistic approach to well-being, integrating physical fitness, balance, recovery, and mental health.
Embracing self-care through simple, consistent practices can profoundly impact one's inner equilibrium and overall well-being. Incorporating daily rituals, such as breath reset exercises, implementing 'zero notification' periods during meals and before sleep, dedicating 20 minutes to 'balance' activities like yoga or pilates, and taking micro-pauses throughout the day, can cultivate a powerful message to the mind: 'my well-being matters.' These practices, coupled with establishing clear morning and evening routines guided by self-inquiry, pave the way for a more centered and fulfilling existence, reinforcing the idea that prioritizing oneself is an act of empowerment.