The recession is turning us into different people. Here, we identify 10 of the most common ways the recession is changing our behaviour.
1. Neither wealthy nor healthy
The recession is taking its toll on our health as we save time and money by cutting back on exercise and healthy foods. The health of the nation has declined since July 2008, according to PruHealth's bi-annual Vitality Index, which tracks health trends.
Dr David Grainger, senior fellow at Cambridge University, says: "These findings suggest a staggering two million more people have an unhealthy lifestyle than six months ago. The most likely cause? Economic recession."
The credit crunch is even ruining the nation's teeth. More than 15% of the public have recently cancelled a dental appointment due to cost, according to a study by Saga Health Cash Plan.
2. More arguments
The economic crisis is also affecting our relationships. Almost a third of couples recently admitted to arguing more this year, mainly about money and household chores.
However, it has also prompted one in five couples to talk more openly about their finances, according to research from online payment provider PayPal.
The willingness to be more open about money will almost certainly help the one in 10 couples who have seen the main breadwinner in their relationship change in the last 12 months. Almost two-thirds of these couples have changed breadwinner because one has either lost their job or had a pay cut.
Carl Scheible, managing director of PayPal UK, says: "As the recession becomes reality, British couples are facing new challenges within their relationships."
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3. Time not money
We might not be able to donate money to good causes when budgets are stretched but we can still donate our time.
A study by Diamond, sponsor of Race for Life 2009, shows that 40% of British people have stopped donating money to charity in the current economic climate, but 28% have chosen to volunteer instead.
4. On the box
Money worries don't seem to have stifled the demand for digital TV, perhaps because it's ultimately cheaper to stay in and watch the telly than splash out on a cinema ticket and a restaurant meal. Business is booming at Sky, which reported 80,000 new customers in the first quarter of this year.
5. Going green
Will the recession succeed where environmental campaigners have failed? Over three-quarters of households say they are more energy efficient than a year ago and the main reason for change is the high cost of energy rather than environmental concerns.
Whatever the reason, the outcome can only be positive with 91% of households now switching off lights when they aren't needed, 79% filling the kettle with the only required amount of water, 78% running washing machines and dishwashers only when full and 69% no longer leaving electrical appliances on standby.
However, consumers are more reluctant to spend their money on longer-term measures, such as insulation or an energy-efficient boiler or fridge. And more than a quarter of consumers rule out paying more for a 'green' electricity plan.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, warns that consumers risk "missing out on the longer-term savings to be made from investing in making their homes more energy efficient."
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6. Losing our inhibitions
We are usually too reserved to haggle but the recession has brought out the bargain hunter in us all, with 35.4 million Brits now prepared to negotiate a better deal.
Some people will try their luck no matter what they are buying. But most (64%) only haggle on certain items in certain outlets.
The same lack of inhibition has made us more willing to use discount vouchers. Go on, admit it!
7. Back to basics
Discount supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl are doing a roaring trade in the recession. And forget organic, we are more interested in the cheaper own-brand and basics ranges on the supermarket shelves.
Sainsbury's, for example, has more than 600 products in its basics range and they are proving popular. In the fourth quarter of last year, sales of the products increased by 60%.
8.Self sufficiency
If we can't afford to buy it, we do it, make it or grow it ourselves.
More people are cutting and colouring their own hair instead of forking out at the local salon. A fifth of Brits cut their own hair to save money, according to research from Egg.
A quarter of people have also created a vegetable patch and one in 25 raises chickens to cut down on food costs.
Patrick Muir of Egg.com, says: "Simple habits and a simple life are replacing luxuries, and a 'can do' attitude is coming to the fore."
9. Gambling
We are seemingly more willing than ever to have a flutter, perhaps in the hope of striking the jackpot and solving our financial problems.
High-street betting shops have reported an increase in sales during the credit crunch. Camelot Group, which runs the National Lottery, also recently unveiled its best sales performance in a decade.
The downside is that the recession can cause more gambling problems. Faith Freestone, director of services at The Gordon House Association, a charity that helps problem gamblers, says: "Some people who bet already may believe that if they bet a bit more they stand more chance of winning and solving their money worries."
10. Staycations
It's too expensive to go abroad for a holiday, so many people are rediscovering the beauty of Britain. A survey by Legal & General has found that three in five people were changing their holiday plans from last year to a staycation.
The Camping and Caravanning Club confirms the trend, with advance bookings 27% higher than this time last year.
There's no doubt that the recession has changed who we are. The question is whether we can keep the good habits and ditch the bad ones when the recovery eventually comes.
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