What People Really Feel and What Shapes Well-Being Now
Analysing the opinions on daily life from India to Italy, South Africa to Saudi Arabia, from the United Kingdom to the United States of America, across Indonesia, Nigeria, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya, or any region you believe people are healthy, you will hear the theme of realty repeating everywhere:
“People are not struggling with their health. People are struggling with their lives.”
The TPS Pulse study captures this with surprising clarity. It is not that people do not know what is healthy. It is not that they do not try. It is that daily life is stretching them beyond comfort, leaving very little room for well-being.
Across thousands of global responses, one truth stands out more loudly than anything else:
Modern well-being is not a health challenge. It is a life-load challenge.
People Believe They Are “Fine” … Until You Look Closer
When respondents were asked to rate their overall well-being, the answers looked deceptively positive at first glance.
Overall Well-Being Levels (Global)
At a global level, this looks stable. But the real meaning sits underneath the surface.
In countries like India, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, people rate their well-being slightly higher on average. In South Africa, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Kenya, and the United States of America, emotional strain pulls the average down.
When describing well-being, many respondents admit that they “feel okay” not because they feel great, but because they have learned to function under pressure.
The world is coping, not flourishing.
Share Your Opinions, Shape The Brands That Feels Right for You
The Pace of Life Is Outrunning People’s Ability to Stay Balanced
A central finding across all markets is that daily life feels too fast.
Pace of Daily Life (Global)
Whether it is long work hours in the United States of America, long commutes in South Africa and India, multitasking in the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria, or high academic pressure in Indonesia and Egypt, people describe the same experience:
Life is moving quickly, and they are running to keep up.
This fast pace is the foundation of every other well-being pattern we see.
Sleep, Stress and Energy: The World’s New Fragile Triangle
People across countries repeatedly highlight sleep, stress, and energy as the three pressure points that determine their health.
Daily Energy and Stress (Global)
Respondents from South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Nigeria, and Kenya report especially high stress levels. Respondents from India, Egypt, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia show slightly better energy, but still find themselves stretched.
The untold truth here is simple:
People are not only unhealthy. They are exhausted.
What People Do to Feel Better – The Small Habits That Keep Them Going
Despite limited time, respondents across countries have built pockets of well-being into their day.
Most Common Well-Being Habits (Global)
In India, Kenya and Nigeria, walking, family time, and prayer routines stand out. In the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and the United Kingdom, light exercise and music feature heavily. In South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, and the United States of America, outdoor time and hobbies play a stabilising role.
These are not luxury wellness habits. These are simple acts of self-preservation. People are trying to stay emotionally functional within the limits life sets for them.
The Barriers to Good Health Have Nothing to Do with Motivation
Respondents were asked what stops them from improving their health. The answers speak louder than any medical report.
Biggest Barriers to Well-Being (Global)
Here lies the deeper message:
People want to take care of their health, but life makes it hard.
In South Africa, commuting and safety concerns are major barriers. In India, Nigeria, and Egypt, family responsibilities and financial pressures dominate. In the United Kingdom and the United States of America, workload and mental fatigue are significant obstacles. In Indonesia, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates, time scarcity and digital overload appear repeatedly.
No one says, “I do not care about my health.” They say, “I do not have the bandwidth.”
What People Wish They Could Change to Feel Better
This question reveals the heart of the theme. When asked to name one change that would improve their daily well-being, people do not ask for big transformations.
They ask for:
Across every country and every age group, one emotion ties it all together:
People want a gentler life, not a different life. They want the same routines, but with more breathing room. The same responsibilities, but with less pressure. The same ambitions, but without sacrificing their well-being.
The Real Meaning of Health in 2025
When we put the numbers, habits, stresses, and wishes together, the insight becomes undeniable: Health today is not defined by medical choices. It is defined by life conditions.
People are not asking for gyms, superfoods, or perfect routines. They are asking for:
This is a global pattern visible across India, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, the United States of America, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Kenya. Well-being has become less about aspiration and more about survival with dignity.
What TPS 2.0 Reveals About Health and Happiness
The “Health and Happiness” theme shows that people across the world are living inside a similar emotional architecture:
Yet people still try to care for themselves. This is the human story behind the numbers.
TPS exists exactly for this: To turn everyday opinions into insights that reveal how people really live and what they genuinely need. Not theories. Not assumptions. Real daily experiences.
And the experience is clear:
People want their life to feel lighter. Not different. Just lighter.
Disclaimer:
These insights are not just for brands; they are for anyone trying to understand how decisions are made in 2025-26. The more people share, the clearer the picture becomes.
Your opinions shape things you love, Make your voice count by sharing your opinions.
FAQ's
1. How does communication affect people’s well-being?
Communication shapes how people feel every day. Supportive and positive conversations boost confidence and connection, while hurtful or negative interactions can increase stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness.
2. Why do words have such a strong impact on well-being?
Words matter because they shape how people see themselves and the world. Kind language builds confidence and belonging, while repeated negative words can create self-doubt and emotional strain over time.
3. How does online communication influence mental well-being?
Online communication impacts mental health in both good and bad ways. Supportive messages can create connections, while criticism, comparison, or misinformation can increase emotional pressure and stress.
4. Do conversations with others affect emotional health?
Yes, conversations strongly affect emotional health. Meaningful and respectful dialogue can provide support and reassurance, while dismissive or hostile conversations can negatively impact mood and mental resilience.
5. How does social feedback shape self-esteem?
Social feedback influences how people see their worth. Positive feedback can boost confidence, while persistent negative feedback may lead to self-doubt and reduced well-being.
6. Are people more sensitive to what others say today?
According to a study by The Panel Station, yes, many people are more sensitive today because digital platforms constantly expose them to opinions and comparisons. Continuous feedback can intensify emotional reactions and affect well-being more quickly.
7. How does workplace communication impact well-being?
Workplace communication affects stress and satisfaction. Clear, supportive communication helps people feel valued, while unclear or negative messaging can create frustration, pressure, and burnout.
8. Does family and peer communication influence mental health?
Family and peer communication plays a major role in mental health. Supportive relationships encourage emotional stability, while negative or judgmental interactions can contribute to long-term stress and anxiety.
9. How can positive communication improve well-being?
Positive communication improves well-being by fostering trust, empathy, and emotional safety. Encouraging language and active listening help people feel valued and supported in daily interactions.
10. Why is mindful communication important in modern life?
Mindful communication is important because it reduces misunderstandings and emotional harm. Being intentional with words helps build healthier relationships and supports overall mental and emotional well-being.
