Survey Shows Almost All Americans Believe Relaxation is Essential for Health and Well-Being - But Their Habits Prove Otherwise

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Aug. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises today released results from its fifth annual Relaxation Report, conducted in celebration of National Relaxation Day on Aug. 15. Despite that an overwhelming 99% of Americans agree that relaxation is essential for their overall health and well-being, on average Americans spend only an hour a day dedicated to unwinding.

In honor of National Relaxation Day, Princess Cruises is encouraging all Americans to observe the day with dedicated time spent relaxing.

The national survey also revealed other insights including that 38% frequently feel guilty about relaxing, and that more than one-quarter (28%) of those polled feel stressed out by the mere thought of trying to relax. That figure increases to 39% for parents and 41% among Americans under 40.

"It's not surprising that almost all Americans see relaxation as key to improving their health, however, our survey found that the demands of our daily lives have made only 60 minutes attainable," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "In honor of National Relaxation Day, we're asking Americans to make a concerted effort to take a break today to relax and decompress, which we all know is good for both our mind and body." She added that for those who looking for the ultimate chance to unwind, Princess Cruises offers an array of options for any traveler looking for a relaxing vacation escape.

Princess Cruises, which helps more than 1.7 million travelers each year "come back new" aboard its worldwide fleet of ships in exotic destinations, commissioned the annual report to uncover consumer attitudes towards vacation and relaxation habits.

Relax, Just Do It

An overwhelming 85% of those surveyed say sex is better when they're relaxed and can just go with it. Interestingly enough, 16% report that sex is better when they're stressed. For those looking for a relaxing couple's getaway (wink, wink), consider a cruise vacation.

Going Off the Grid in 3, 2, 1

Two-thirds of Americans (67%) reported they would feel completely relaxed if they were entirely "off the grid" (without any electronics or Internet access). And on an average day, 42% of men and women feel completely or mostly relaxed. Additionally, over half (52%) of American's say that having a smart phone makes it harder to relax.

Let the Music Soothe You

More Americans would prefer to use sound over sight when trying to relax. Two in five Americans (40%) of Americans choose music to help decompress and, now in 2014, reading has been shelved with only 5% naming it the best relaxation tool.

Who has it Harder?

Of those with significant others, 52% share they're more stressed than their partner. However, among men, 62% say their significant other is more stressed out.

About the 2014 Survey

The Princess Cruises Relaxation Report survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between August 8th and August 12th, 2014, using an online omnibus survey. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18+. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 3.1 percent.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at http://www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises:

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million passengers each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Note: An infographic of the survey results is available upon request.

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Additional media information is available at princess.com/news.

SOURCE Princess Cruises