15 million Brits are each £3k better off because they consulted their gut instinct when making financial decisions, new research by Yakult, makers of the original probiotic, reveals. A third (33%) are now more likely to go with their gut feeling when it comes to their finances than they were ten years ago.
The research also shows that gut instinct is playing a role in decisions relating to our homes and health. It is even considered the deciding factor when it comes to work, relationships and travel, over and above the input of the media, friends and family. Based on the outcome of decisions made on gut instinct, a content two thirds (67%) say the result was a successful one.
The Yakult statistics reveal Brits who’ve gone with their gut have:
A better relationship with their family & friends (31%)
Found their soul mate (30%)
Secured better jobs (27%)
Moved into a better house/flat (22%)
Although we’re following our gut instinct more than ever, there seems to be confusion amongst the nation as to what the term actually means. Almost a fifth (17%) believe it’s a physical feeling from your stomach and one in ten (8%), a spiritual feeling - whilst 13% admit they’re just unsure.
Consultant gastroenterologist and medical adviser to The Gut Trust, Dr Nick Read comments;
“Those people who perceive gut instinct to be a physical feeling are spot on. Gut reactions are mediated by the nervous systems, which bring about actual alternations in gut function. The gut has a hot line to the mind - it will often tell you that things don’t feel right even before you know it yourself. So, I would try to understand and trust your gut feelings so that you can deal with the things that cause them. This will make you stronger, more resilient and give you the guts to cope with anything in life – but to preserve that vital early system, you need to look after your gut.”
Lifecoach, Georgina Burnett adds, “We live in an ‘information overload’ society, with internet, magazines and TV vying for our attention and friends and family bombarding us with their opinions. This can lead to indecision as we try and weigh up all the pros and cons. It’s worth considering that what your gut is telling you is more than likely linked to your subconscious and based on valuable information you may not have at the forefront of your mind. When we make a decision based on the combination of an evaluation of the facts and our own gut feeling, we are more likely to feel in control of our lives which is important for self esteem.”
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