NEWS COPY
Growing your own vegetables, learning to cook or bake and moving to the countryside are among the ‘new normal’ bucket list items.
A study of 2,000 adults found six in 10 now yearn for ‘The Good Life’ with their ambitions for the future changing in the wake of the pandemic.
Having spent more time in their own garden lately, redesigning their outdoor space and creating their own pub or bar at home are both high on the list of goals for the future.
Being closer to nature is also a recurring theme – with moving to the seaside or countryside and climbing a mountain all featuring - as well as giving fresh water swimming a go.
Commissioned by The National Lottery ahead of its £15 million ‘Must Be Won’ Lotto jackpot on Saturday, the research also saw changing careers and setting up a new business make the nation’s new bucket lists.
Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor for The National Lottery, said: “The nation’s bucket list has certainly changed tack.
“We are seeing the gentle art of pottery and keeping chickens rank more highly than skydiving or designer handbags.
“But while it’s very different, the concept is as relevant now as it was before the ‘new normal’.
“And the plans for a National Lottery win are no different, with giving back ranking more highly than the aspirational purchases.”
The study also found the nation’s bucket list for the ‘new normal’ is motivated by keeping our nearest and dearest safe for 45 per cent of adults polled.
Reducing stress and worry (42 per cent) and living a healthier lifestyle (35 per cent) also emerged as driving factors.
Other ambitions among those surveyed include getting a hot tub, a drive-in cinema experience and buying a camper van to explore the UK.
The National Lottery study carried out through OnePoll also identified what the nation would do with a jackpot win.
Three in 10 would look to make a positive difference to society, while around one in 10 would create a wildlife sanctuary and seven per cent would give up work and become a volunteer.
And a small proportion (three per cent) would invest in a luxury, self-sufficient underground bunker to keep their family safe.
Andy Carter added: “Winning £15M would certainly make amazing things happen for that lucky ticket-holder on Saturday night.
“Suddenly their dreams and aspirations will become a reality.
“So if it’s a veggie patch they want, perhaps it’ll become a walled kitchen garden on their own country estate rather than a corner of the back garden!
“Just like playing the National Lottery, this new wish list shows that while our movements may currently be curtailed, our dreams are not.”
THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ BUCKET LIST - TOP 20
1. Grow your own vegetables/ get an allotment
2. Redesign your garden
3. Learn how to cook/improve cooking/baking skills
4. Drive-in cinema experience
5. Move to the seaside
6. Learn to speak a new language
7. Create a pub/bar in your garden
8. Move to the countryside
9. Set up your own business
10. Install a hot tub
11. Buy a camper van or RV and explore more of the UK
12. Write a book
13. Try fresh water swimming
14. Volunteer for a charity on a regular basis
15. Have private exercise/yoga lessons to get fit
16. Learn a new creative hobby such as painting or pottery
17. Retrain for a new career
18. Learn to play the piano or other musical instrument
19. Climb a mountain / hike a noteworthy trail
20. Be taught meditation/mindfulness
ENDS