Hazel Mollison: Dark times leave us with a bright future

Published on Tuesday 3 November 2009 08:51

WITH many families preparing for another penny-pinching Christmas, there seems to be little respite from the gloom of the recession. And as many more face unemployment and struggle to make ends meet, it's easy to see why many feel dispirited.

But a new survey has suggested that the current economic situation is helping people to live healthier lifestyles, as part of their efforts to save cash.

Researchers from Selftrade, an investment company, found 59 per cent of Scots have "taken positive action" to improve their health since the recession.

While many have lost pounds from their bank accounts, they are also losing pounds from their waistlines. Families are ditching takeaways for cooking cheap meals from fresh ingredients.

More workers are leaving the car at home, and walking or cycling to work, and many people have been forced to cut back spending on alcohol and cigarettes.

And with eight per cent of Scots saying they are having more regular sex than before, the recession seems to be having positive side effects.

Outside of the home, there has been a rising interest in growing fruit and vegetables, with allotments and garden centres more popular than ever, and the recession could be good for feeding our minds – Edinburgh City Council has reported more visits to free attractions, such as museums and libraries.

Pete Jackson, the STV gardening expert who runs Earthy in Newington, said people are rediscovering forgotten gardens as well as growing plants on windowsills.

Bestselling items include compost, salad trays, herbs and vegetable seeds.

He said: "The 'grow your own' market has tripled in the last two years. People are getting back to the ground, and using their gardens to grow vegetables.

"We've also had a lot more people buying flour to make their own bread and cakes. The kitchen has become a workspace, rather than a showcase.

"People are asking themselves whether they really need to spend 30 a month on a gym membership. They could walk to work instead, or spend time digging their garden."

Edinburgh City Council has seen a steady rise in demand for allotments, with more than 2,000 on the waiting list.

People are also getting on their bikes to beat the recession, with shops such as Freewheelin Cycles, on Slateford Road, reporting a big increase in repairs.

The Bike Station, in Causewayside, is running popular self-help workshops, where people can learn to maintain their own bikes.

A spokesman for Spokes, the Lothians cycling campaign group, said: "Cycle retailing is one of the few businesses that's doing well in the recession. Adults are recommended to have half an hour of exercise a day. If you cycle to and from work, you don't need to join the gym."

Although expensive gym memberships may be beyond many people's budgets, the council-owned Edinburgh Leisure has seen an eight per cent rise in membership this September, compared to last year. The number of gym visits has risen by almost 4,000 since April.

Other positive changes include cutting down on alcohol and cigarettes. The price comparison website, mysupermarket.co.uk, has reported that sales of wine have fallen by 18 per cent since 2007, although beer sales are up slightly.

NHS Lothian has seen an increase in demand for their stop smoking services, and are running more classes.

Psychologist Dr Cynthia McVey said these lifestyle changes could be having a positive effect on our mental health. The recession has also shifted many people's focus from material success, and persuaded them to spend more time with their families.

She said: "If people are changing their eating habits and taking more exercise, then this can help beat depression. Drinking less alcohol can mean they feel less jaded. Overall they will feel better about themselves, and they may feel they have more control over their lives."

Clearly the recession continues to affect many people, but on the bright side, we could emerge a few pounds lighter, and with a healthier set of priorities.