THE top 40 spur-of-the-moment activities everyone should have tried are booking a last-minute weekend away, going on a road trip or popping in on a friend you haven’t seen in ages.
The poll found that 70% of adults could make the most of their day. And, 65% said they needed more stimulation to get through the everyday grind of work and tasks.
Other must-do spontaneous acts include extending a holiday while they’re already on it, jumping on a random bus or train, or getting up in the middle of the night to stargaze.
The survey found Boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 – are most likely to feel their current life is too predictable and monotonous.
And they’re also the age group that most often feels stuck in a rut with their everyday routine.
Gen Z is twice as likely to do something in a year to get out of a rut than Gen Xers or those older.
But a lack of cash (45 per cent) is what’s holding most people back from saying ‘yes’ to more opportunities.
According to a spokesperson from chewy sweets manufacturer Mentos Fanta which sponsored the study: “Being spontaneous is liberating.
“Doing something new and different doesn’t have to involve skydiving out of a helicopter onto a jet-ski in a volcano.
“It can be something as simple as buying a totally different sandwich in your daily supermarket meal deal – or giving a new flavour a chance.”
The study also found 35 per cent of adults don’t have the energy to say yes to fun new opportunities.
And 29 per cent don’t have enough time, while 27 per cent fret that if they do try something new, they might not enjoy it.
In fact, only nine per cent of respondents feel they are ‘very much’ living their best life – with Gen Z most likely to feel this way (17 per cent).
Sixty-five percent of adults say they wish that they had more courage to try new things.
Those aged 35-44 are the most likely to feel this way, with a whopping 83 per cent saying they’d like to be braver.
However, 23 percent of adults say they’d be happier and more fulfilled if they led a spontaneous life.
The study found that 38 percent want to experience something new and are willing to leave their comfort zones.OnePoll.comfigures.
Mentos Fanta’s spokesperson added: “Those in the middle age ranges seem to be stuck between two poles.
“They’re not young and carefree anymore, but they’re not so old that they’re past wanting to experience new things.
“It seems like Gen X really need to shake things up and try something new more than anyone else!”
BRITS’ 40 FAVOURITE SPONTANEOUS ACTS:
1. Booking a weekend getaway at the last minute is easy
2. Road-trips are fun
3. Visit a friend you’ve not seen in a while
4. Speak your mind
5. Holidays can be extended
6. Hop on the bus or train and see what it brings you.
7. Attend a local free event
8. Keep an eye on the rising sun
9. Make a challenge for yourself
10. Start a conversation when you meet a complete stranger
11. Watch the stars at night by getting up early.
12. Attend a Comedy Night
13. You can rearrange your furniture
14. Purchase a gift for someone, and give it to that person on the same day
15. Dye your hair a different colour
16. Spend money on charity
17. You can tell your parents or family members that you love them
18. Help at an animal shelter in your area
19. Give blood
20. How to start a business
21. Purchase a pet
22. Ask someone out
23. All day, say yes to all things
24. A radical new haircut
25. You can visit a psychic
26. Get a piercing / new piercing
27. Spend a day or night off-grid (no internet, no social media).
28. Take a look at the free items in your community
29. How to quit a job
30. Go camping with a friend – right now, for one night only
31. Book a dance lesson
32. Call in sick to work when you’re not ill
33. Visit a new neighborhood
34. Support a local sport team
35. Go skinny dipping
36. Karaoke is a great way to entertain yourself
37. Smash something on purpose – like a plate
38. Purchase a Musical Instrument
39. Register for a New Sport
40. Join a Foreign Exchange Programme