From weddings and birthdays to job interviews and work events, our guests stay with us for all kinds of important occasions. Big events bring on a lot of nerves though, and it seems we all have our little good luck rituals when preparing for an important day!
Fingers crossed! We’ve teamed up with Jack Skipper to discover more about your good luck rituals
Recently, we conducted research to discover what people across the UK like to do for luck before a big event. Carrying a lucky charm, crossing your fingers for luck and saluting magpies are just some of the biggest superstitions we uncovered.
A massive 62% of those we asked revealed that they use good luck rituals ahead of big life events like important work meetings, job interviews, moving house and even travelling. Four in 10 people will carry their favourite lucky charm when gearing up for important events, while over a third will avoid walking under ladders. 35% of the UK adults we asked will often salute a magpie on the day of a big event – interestingly, our survey also revealed that this practise is most common with people from Sheffield!
Jack Skipper
Someone who knows about preparing for big events is comedian Jack Skipper. We’ve partnered with the stand-up star while he tours the UK to find out what people across the nation do to prep for those big life moments.
Jack comments
“We have all experienced the dreaded butterflies in the tummy, not sleeping well and the anxiety that can accompany a big meeting in work, a presentation or even something that’s meant to be fun like a best man’s speech! "
“Walking out on stage in front of hundreds of people, tasked with the job of making the audience laugh is my day job, but that doesn’t mean it comes easily!"
“Performing live gigs, I often have to stay away from home in new towns and cities so getting a good night’s sleep is really important as well as listening to music helps me to relax and get in the zone ahead of stepping on stage – and making sure I pack my pair of lucky pants!”
The research revealed that no matter the event, a good night’s sleep is key. While 65% agree that sleeping well is the most important factor in preparing for a big life event, only around 36% actually achieve this. A third of people also reveal they get less than the recommended eight hours of sleep the night before, with a shocking 16% getting less than four hours – perhaps because 35% are waking up early.
It’s no secret that falling asleep is tricky when you’ve got an important day ahead – over half of the people we asked said their mood was likely to be anxious or stressed, compared to just 10% who said they were likely to be excited.
Besides following superstitions, other methods that people use to try and ease their anxiety beforehand include going for a walk (15%), listening to music (14%) and practising meditation (14%).
For some, it’s all about keeping things familiar – 10% said they would wear their lucky pants or a favourite outfit, while 4% were convinced that eating a specific meal ahead of a big event will lead to success!
Tamara Strauss, Customer Director for Premier Inn commented.
“Big events like presentations for work and moving house are all part of life and we need to find ways to make them as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. By providing a sanctuary for people to get those vital hours of shut eye Premier Inn can help them to rest easy and relax, safe in the knowledge they can enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of the big event – and take advantage of workspace if any final prep is needed. Whether they are on their way to deliver a big presentation, taking part in a big sporting event or any number of other big moments we play host to thousands of people every year across the UK.”
So, whatever the occasion, remember that a good night’s sleep is often the best lucky charm you can have. That’s why our great-value rooms have everything you’ll need to rest easy before a big event, including our super-comfy beds. Check out our local guides to discover some fun things to do nearby on your next life event or work trip.