Eight in 10 adults are ‘creatures of habit’, according to new research

Often eating an identical breakfast every day, sticking to the same style of clothing and even insisting on using the same mug.

A study of 2,000 people found even bedtime is repetitive, with 56 per cent sleeping on the same side of the mattress every single night, while four in 10 always go to bed at the same time.

Sitting in the same spot on the sofa, refusing to order different drinks on a night out and doing an identical grocery shop week in and week out are also among the signs someone is a ‘creature of habit’.

Others always stick with their tried and trusted hairstyle, won’t change dinnertime, and listen to one playlist on repeat.

But the study revealed more than half of those polled simply don’t like change, with four in 10 putting this down to taking time to adjust to new things.

And 47 per cent dislike it when they are out of their comfort zone.

It also emerged four in five adults haven’t changed their broadband provider in the past three years, while 86 per cent have also stuck with the same hair colour during this time.

Charles Davies, MD ISP, Hyperoptic – a full fibre broadband provider - which commissioned the study, said: “People clearly feel worried about change, be it a new hairstyle, using a different supermarket brand or changing service providers.

“Mixing things up can often seem like a lot of effort and lack of knowledge, time and confidence can affect the likelihood of change.

“But change doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

The research also found more than a quarter take their car to the same garage each time they need any work doing and 23 per cent order the same meal from their favourite takeaway.

If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it

It also emerged that almost two thirds live by the phrase ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’ and 72 per cent describe themselves as loyal.

Despite this, more than half admitted they should be making more of an effort to mix things up in life and when they have made a change, a sixth felt ‘refreshed’.

But during lockdown, 44 per cent felt their routine had to change as a result of the pandemic, with 30 per cent encouraged to switch up some of their old habits.

And more than a quarter have recently realised they need to make more changes to their life – both big and small.

As a result, 26 per cent are now more likely to change their diet, 38 per cent the amount of times they dine out and 15 per cent have considered moving house after spending months staring at the same four walls.

The lockdown effect

An eighth even said they are less scared of change following lockdown, while more than two thirds have changed something in their life after realising it meant they could save money.

But the areas of life people have changed most in the last three years are insurance, energy and electricity providers.

Eight in 10 have changed a service provider – including energy, electricity and Wi-Fi - at some point in their lives with the main reason being to get a cheaper deal according to 84 per cent.

When it comes to broadband however, more than a quarter have never switched their provider, with a third putting this down to not being able to find a better option.

A fifth were concerned they wouldn’t get a better service if they changed and a tenth worried about being without connection in the meantime.

But one in six simply couldn’t be bothered to switch.

And an average of £147 a year - £12.22 a month – would need to be saved in order to move to a different service provider.

However, a sixth of those polled via OnePoll would be willing to pay more to get increased flexibility from broadband providers.

Charles Davies, MD ISP, Hyperoptic added: “We know waiting time, prices and confusion are big influences on whether consumers decide to change service providers, but we’d encourage everyone to check they are getting the best deal – a small amount of time could result in big savings.”

“Our new switching proposition allows a seamless switch, if people are still in a contract with another provider they can order Hyperoptic and defer the service and cost for up to three months.”

Find out what creature of habit you are here - https://hyperoptic.com/why-hyperoptic/switching/#quiz

TOP 40 WAYS BRITS ARE CREATURES OF HABIT:

1. Sleep on the same side of the bed2. Sit in the same place on the sofa3. Have the same bedtime routine4. Style your hair the same way5. Go to the same hairdresser6. Wear the same style of clothes7. Shop at the same supermarket8. Buy the same brand of toilet roll9. Have the same breakfast10. Take your car to the same garage11. Buy the same brands of food12. Eat dinner at the same time13. Stick to certain clothing brands14. Go to bed at the same time15. Wake up at the same time everyday, regardless of an alarm16. Use the same mug17. Order the same drinks on a night out18. Have drinks in the same order each day e.g. coffee then tea19. Order the same takeaway20. Buy the same brands of cleaning products21. Do a grocery shop at the same time each week22. Order the same food off a restaurant menu23. Read the same newspaper daily24. Eat out at the same restaurants25. Re-watch TV shows instead of watching new ones26. Listen to the same playlist repeatedly27. Leave the house at the same time every day28. Buy the same make-up brands29. Wear the same jewellery every day30. Use the same perfume every day31. Have the same lunch32. Park in the same space in the car park33. Buy the same magazine34. Cook the same meal on a specific day each week35. Stick to the same gym routine whenever your are there36. Walk your dog on the same route every day37. Sit in the same seat on the bus/train38. Go to the same place on holiday every year39. Go on the same running route40. Go to the pub on the same night every week