SPONTANEITY peaks at the age of 31 – before tailing off just six years later, a study has revealed.
A study of 1,000 adults found more than half are at their most impulsive in their early thirties, due to a desire to have fun.
Just under half revealed another reason for spontaneity at this age was due to lack of responsibility and fewer financial commitments coupled with more disposable income.
A spokesperson for Skyscanner, which commissioned the research, said: “Spontaneity is proven to reduce stress and increase levels of self-esteem, along with promoting contentment and harmony in close relationships.
“Spontaneity has been directly affected over the last couple of years by the pandemic and breaking free from these constricting behaviours is key to getting back on track and also to boosting well-being.”
Having less fear in their early thirties was also attributed to the peak in spontaneity, with 39 per cent of people agreeing with the statement.
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But it soon changes, as 37 was revealed as the least spontaneous age, thanks to an increase in responsibilities (42 per cent), having a young family (37 per cent) and a need to be more sensible (30 per cent).
It also emerged nearly half of participants wished they were more spontaneous in life, especially in their social lives (37 per cent), friendships (31 per cent) and travelling (29 per cent).
The study also found just 12 per cent of the adults polled describe themselves as very spontaneous, with 38 per cent admitting they are the opposite and rarely step out of their comfort zone.
But men are slightly more so than women (63 per cent compared to 61 per cent).
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For 23 per cent, simply going on an unplanned night out is among the most spontaneous things they have done, while 16 per cent said the same of dying their hair.
Others have gone on a last-minute date (15 per cent), bought a car (15 per cent) or even got married (11 per cent) on the spur of the moment.
When it comes to travel, 28 per cent those polled, via OnePoll, have been surprised by a spontaneous trip from someone else, and 32 per cent have booked a trip to a location they knew nothing about.
More than one in three UK travellers have even arrived at the airport without a ticket or destination in mind and would do so again.
And for respondents over 65, it emerged that of life’s valuable experiences, travel ranked highest.
It comes after Skyscanner flight data revealed last minute trips (booked seven days or less before departure) are increasing in popularity by 14 per cent compared to pre-pandemic.
A spokesperson added: “Sometimes you may want to be spontaneous but may feel held back by responsibilities, finances and even fear.
“But while it may seem scary to just pack a bag and hop on a plane, being spontaneous can be exhilarating – and there is nothing is more freeing than travel.
“And it doesn’t need to be something big. Simply planning less than you usually would for something such as a trip away or taking a chance on an unknown destination, will remind you of the possibilities that are out there.
“Being flexible with where and when you go away, and using our Everywhere tool, can also save you money as well as allowing you to be more adventurous."
The study also found after making a spontaneous decision, 34 per cent feel excited and 27 per cent feel happy.
Others feel carefree (23 per cent) and exhilarated (21 per cent), although 17 per cent also admit to being worried.
However, 61 per cent are looking to be more spontaneous post pandemic, after 53 per cent said Covid stopped them from doing this.
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Following the findings Skyscanner is giving people the chance to win their own spontaneous trip away this month to help rediscover the joy of travel.
The NOMOFOMO campaign is on the brand’s Instagramand Facebooknow.
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