As we pass the anniversary of the first Coronavirus global lockdown, Land Rover has uncovered how families have adapted over the past 12 months, and the positive discoveries they have made during the pandemic – including the behaviours that have contributed to their resilience.
To understand how people reacted to the Coronavirus pandemic on a global level, Land Rover commissioned Project Discovery (named after the Land Rover Discovery) – a research study including 7,000 participants across seven countries. Additionally, with the help of Professor Sir Cary Cooper, Professor of Organizational Psychology & Health at MBS Manchester University, Land Rover has identified the scientific formula for resilience, as well as three ways to help the nation develop this trait and build self-confidence – including exploration and awareness, also known as the spirit of discovery.
This formula was developed as a direct result of the traits shown by participants in Project Discovery, who scored highly for resilience. Close personal connections, an appetite for exploration, and a hunger to make and learn, form the crucial elements of the formula:
R = 2F + EwP + SD
Where:
R = Resilience
2F = Friends and Family – An increased desire to connect with others sets apart those with high resilience – they enjoy a close-knit support structure of contacts, including colleagues, neighbours, friends and family. Whilst lockdowns have made it harder to connect, those with high resilience have been 44% more likely to prioritise time with others, whether in-person (when allowed), virtually or over the phone.
EwP = Enrichment with Purpose – Learning new skills, both mental and physical, and focusing on activities with an end goal is key for resilience. Almost three quarters (72%) of people with high resilience scores enjoy learning new things, and 57% of highly resilient people take physical health seriously as well.
SD = Spirit of Discovery – Exploration and awareness of what’s going on around you builds resilience. More than half of people with high resilience scores like finding new places to explore, and more than 60% have an active interest in news and current affairs too.
Professor Sir Cary Cooper, Professor of Organizational Psychology & Health at MBS Manchester University, said: “Resilience is something that can be learned and developed over time, and Project Discovery shows how truly resilient people behave even in extraordinary circumstances. Using the project’s findings, it’s possible to see how a few relatively simple lifestyle changes have the potential to enhance the ability to overcome adversity, both now and in the future.
“What’s really interesting, is that resilience clearly isn’t the preserve of captains of industry, political leaders or military personnel. In fact, the findings suggest the most resilient people over the last 12 months will have been retired couples with long-established positive routines and who have enjoyed regular visits, when permitted, from grandchildren.”
The research found that national lockdowns and social restrictions have forced communities across the world to change and adapt. Almost three quarters (73%) of those who participated in the study started a new pastime, exercise regime, hobby or habit since the beginning of the global pandemic last year, as they looked for enrichment with purpose. What’s more, 93% of people who began a new activity plan to keep it up in 2021.
In fact, participants with the lowest resilience scores were the most likely to have started a new activity, suggesting these people were making deliberate changes to address the situation. Additionally, more than half of people (56%) said they have taken more care of their mental health since the beginning of the crisis.
To help the nation foster more self-confidence and resilience, and work on using the formula on themselves, Professor Sir Cary Cooper recommends the following steps to develop stronger self-confidence and resilience:
- Foster strong relationships – schedule regular catchups with friends or colleagues and set aside time for family, making it part of your daily routine. This can be in-person (where possible) or even via a quick call or video call for that human connection.
- Set goals and targets to help keep you motivated – it could be anything from a large DIY project to simply cooking a new recipe every week. Every small goal will help.
- Participate in a regular form of exercise – an appropriate physical challenge will help your mind and body. It’ll give you a reason to get outside to explore and discover something new about yourself and your surroundings.
To find out more about how people have adapted to life over the past 12 months, visit www.landrover.com/projectdiscovery. Land Rover also enlisted Adventurer Bear Grylls and England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson to reveal their personal discoveries and stories of resilience as part of Project Discovery