OVER HALF OF BRITS STRUGGLE TO FIND DAILY 'ME TIME' AMIDST CHORES AND WORK PRESSURES
Brits manage less than an hour of daily 'me time' when they can genuinely switch off, new research has found. A survey of 2,000 adults discovered that 51% can go a full day each week or longer without carving out any personal time. Meanwhile, 29% only secure adequate alone time 'a few days a week'.
Household tasks (41%), work commitments (37%) and family duties (34%) emerged as the primary reasons people remain constantly 'switched on'. The study found that when people do manage to find a moment to disconnect, 27% turn to gardening, whilst 47% enjoy reading several pages of their book. However, three in 10 believe a simple cuppa and biscuit provides the ideal way to reset.
The research was commissioned by premium biscuit brand Bahlsen, which partnered with psychologist Jo Hemmings to encourage better mindfulness practices.
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She explained: "Sometimes the signs that you need more time for yourself aren't obvious. You might find yourself becoming unusually irritated by small things, or feeling oddly detached even when surrounded by people you care about.
"You may start misplacing items or forgetting simple tasks - a subtle sign your mind is overloaded. Perhaps you're craving solitude but feel guilty for wanting it, or you notice you're scrolling aimlessly through your phone just to escape.
"These quiet cues are your mind's way of whispering: it's time to pause and reconnect with yourself."
The study discovered that of those who do take proper time to relax and unwind, 40% feel calm and centred. Meanwhile, 37% have a more positive outlook, 32% are able to think more clearly, and 28% feel more in control.
However, only 40% believe their work schedule allows for enough personal time, with 36% prioritising job responsibilities over their own time each day. Additionally, 32% find themselves checking emails or work messages when they could be relaxing on their own time.
A sense of guilt often overwhelms 37% when they do manage to carve out time for themselves to unwind. Despite this, a whopping 93% view setting aside these moments for mindfulness as crucial.
Jo Hemmings stated: "The biggest blockers to daily relaxation and mindfulness aren't a lack of time - but a lack of permission we give ourselves to use it wisely. Many people feel guilty for slowing down, equating rest with laziness or unproductivity.
"There's also the constant pull of digital distractions and the pressure to be "always on," which keeps our minds in overdrive."
Over half (51%) associate different types of food and drink with relaxation, with a cup of tea topping the list. According to the OnePoll.com figures, it was considered more relaxing than a glass of wine or a beer, a cup of hot chocolate – or a fruity smoothie.
When it comes to snacks that aid relaxation, chocolate (53%) and biscuits (45%) were popular choices.
Michelle Green, representing Bahlsen, stated: "We know life can feel like a constant juggle, between work, family, and everything in between. It's easy to forget to stop and breathe, which is why we want to celebrate those small, quiet pauses – those important 'me time' moments.
"It's not about earning a break, it's about allowing yourself one, because sometimes, meaningful moments are the ones where you simply stop, switch off, and savour something just for you."
Top 20 ways Brits unwind
1. Watching a TV programme or film
2. Reading
3. Listening to music
4. Going for a walk
5. Spending time in nature
6. Enjoying a hot drink and a biscuit
7. Having a nap
8. Gardening
9. Browsing social media
10. Catching up with friends
11. Exercising or working out
12. Doing puzzles or crosswords
13. Spending time with pets
14. Cooking or baking
15. Taking a long bath or shower
16. Doing nothing at all
17. Listening to a podcast
18. Doing arts and crafts
19. Short meditation
20. Going for a drive
2025-11-07T14:46:06Z