Wellness wanted: almost nine in 10 brits need a self-care boost but many can’t justify the cost
Key Takeaways
New research1 reveals one in three Brits (33%) haven’t had a single self-care treat in the last 12 months, despite 21% feeling the need for a boost every 2-3 days
A fifth (19%) say rising household bills and everyday expenses are holding them back from spending on self-care treats
Over half of Brits (58%) say they look up spa days, grooming treatments and dream holidays on their phones purely for a mood lift
Believing that everyone deserves a boost, giffgaff treated guests to free self care experiences at a one-day pop up Booost Bar yesterday, and is giving up to 200% more data to new and existing customers for no extra cost 2 .
25th March 2026
With lighter evenings on the horizon after what has felt like a long winter, new research from giffgaff reveals that Brits are seeking a wellness boost. Almost nine in 10 (88%) say they’re in need of a mood lift, while 21% admit they rely on a treat or pick-me-up every 2–3 days to recharge their mood and energy levels.
While everyday activities like listening to music (44%), going for long walks (40%), and reading a book (24%) help many Brits reset, others say they need self-care treatments to ultimately recharge. A fifth (19%) named a massage top of their mood-boosting list, with 12% opting for a sauna or steam room, and one in 10 saying grooming treatments such as manicures, waxing, or tanning gave them a lift.
However despite being desperate for a boost, Brits are not treating themselves much. With a third (33%) admitting they haven't had a single self-care treat in the last 12 months.
Nearly a fifth (19%) say they can’t justify spending on self-care treats because household bills are too high, and 11% admit that even small acts of self-care feel indulgent when money is tight.
Instead, many are turning to their phones, with over half of Brits (58%) saying they look up spa days, grooming treatments and dream holidays purely for a little mood lift - with no intention of booking.
Believing that everyone deserves access to a boost, giffgaff opened a Booost Bar in East London yesterday. The one of a kind pop-up opened between 4pm to 7pm, as research revealed almost a quarter (23%) of Brits experience a mood and energy slump during this time. It offered free mood-boosting experiences inspired by some of the top ways Brits recharge.
Visitors relaxed in massage chairs at the Sunshine Boooster station, which featured integrated heated blankets and SAD lamps for a full body refresh. Guests could also enjoy a revitalising boost via oxygen masks, each with a choice of scents including ginger, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
Guests refuelled with mood and energy boosting food and drinks, such as Lion’s Mane hot chocolate and apple cider vinegar and pomegranate gummies. There was also the chance to pick up a giffgaff SIM and get a data boost of up to 200% more data - such as 75GB instead of 25GB for just £10 - which is available until 18th May for all new and existing giffgaff members.
“When we saw that one in three people in the UK hadn’t taken time for a self-care treat in the past year, despite feeling the need to, it was clear there was an opportunity to give something back. The Booost Bar was designed to do just that, creating a moment for people to pause, recharge and feel uplifted, all for free.
It reflects the same principle behind our offers: giving members more without asking them to pay more. At a time when many providers are increasing prices, we’re focused on doing the opposite at giffgaff, offering greater value, including data boosts of up to 200% at no extra cost, such as 75GB instead of 25GB for just £10.”
Kate Dohaney, CEO at giffgaff
When it comes to the self-care treatments people find give them a boost, preferences vary across UK cities. In Birmingham, 16% opt for a blow-dry, while in Bristol, 15% favour a sauna or steam room. Belfast stands out as the manicure capital, with 24% indulging in the treatment more frequently than anywhere else.
Londoners lean into massages (22%) and red light therapy (7%), whilst those in Cardiff opt for a collagen mask (12%). Mancunians are the most likely to book an ice bath (8%), while Liverpudlians favour IV infusions (4%).
ENDS
For further information please contact giffgaff@splendidcomms.com or 020 7553 7300
Notes to Editors
To find out more about giffgaff’s data boost offer, visit giffgaff.com.
1Research of 2,000 UK adults conducted by Censuswide between 27th February- 3rd March 2026
2Plan must be activated between 2/2/26 and 18/5/26 to qualify. Eligibility criteria, terms and exclusions apply, see giffgaff.com/terms/promotions
About giffgaff
giffgaff, the mobile and broadband provider, is focused on delivering fair value, flexibility and simplicity for its over 4 million customers. It’s one of the reasons it’s been voted Uswitch mobile handset contract network for 2026*.
Selling both monthly airtime plans, and new & refurbished mobile phones, giffgaff has over half a million members on its community forum and a bunch of helpful benefits like Best Plan Advice** and no mid-contract price rises***.
Now in its trial phase, giffgaff broadband is on a mission to address some of the UK’s frustrations, like it did with mobile when it launched in 2009.
In 2022, giffgaff made an ongoing commitment to prioritising people, and the planet and profit equally by becoming a B Corp™ certified company.
*See uswitch.com/telecoms-awards for award verification **Opt-in service. Based on mins, texts and data usage. Terms apply, see giffgaff.com/terms"
*** No mid-contract price rises on 18 month contracts purchased before the end of 2025. Fair usage policy, terms and exclusions apply, see giffgaff.com/terms