A survey of 800 people reveals that, since the confinement three years ago, Spanish citizens have chosen to isolate themselves from their environment and focus on their individual well-being, a concept known as “flourishing.” The COVID-19 pandemic has led citizens to isolate themselves from external news and events to protect themselves from a hostile environment, leading 55% of respondents to follow the news, up from 85% in 2015.
Self-care and mental health have become priorities for most respondents, with 57% considering their mental health most important, compared to 19% who prefer to progress professionally and 23% who focus on finances. Women show greater concern for their mental health, with 62% considering it their top priority.
According to the CEO of Collaborabrands, Mercè Elías, by achieving individual well-being, we move away from negative external tendencies and prioritize actions such as leading a conscious life, being more empathetic, and achieving balance and peace of mind. The keys in this post-Covid stage are self-care, personal freedom, and a sense of belonging. Young people in particular have chosen to be more authentic and transparent about their emotions and have moved from asking “Hi, how are you?” to “Hi, how are you?”.
In summary, the study shows that Spanish society has shifted its focus to center on individual well-being and mental health rather than focusing on professional or economic advancement. Self-care, personal freedom, and a sense of belonging are key in this post-Covid era, and authenticity and transparency about emotions have become more important, especially among young people.