Busy Brits feel most stressed-out – by 8.15am, research finds
The most stressful time of day is 8.15am, according to a study. A poll of 2,000 adults found 35 percent experience stress during the first part of the day – with the prospect of the working day ahead, struggling to leave the house on time, and oversleeping, the most common early morning challenges.
Coping with the school run, looking for lost house keys, and figuring out what to wear are other common anxieties, as is dealing with the unpredictability of kids’ emotions – all whilst feeding and dressing them, and making packed lunches.
And at a time of day when every second matters, those polled typically lose 20 minutes and 28 seconds to morning trials and tribulations.
Following the findings, revealed as part of Onken’s “Feed Your Inner Happiness” campaign, Paddy McGuinness has shared his tongue-in-cheek time-saving tips.
His pointers include how to get the kids to do housework without them realising, how to stop them bickering, and how to help them with their homework when you’re stuck yourself.
The TV funnyman said: “Follow my foolproof tips, and you’ll be ready to tackle life’s curveballs – while still having time for yourself. Trust me, in my whirlwind of a schedule, I know just how precious those joy-filled moments can be.”
The study also found more than half of adults (51 percent) feel there’s “never” enough time in the day to get things done, and the same number are “often overwhelmed” – with 47 percent claiming to be busier now than ever before.
This might explain why 35 percent “don’t know” how to find time to do things which make them happy, and why a further 37 percent have “forgotten” how to make time for themselves.
It also emerged those polled aren’t enjoying as many as moments of happiness in a day as they “need”.
According to the research, the typical adult “needs” 27 moments of happiness a week – roughly four a day. However, those polled actually get 20 – which is around three a day.
As a result, 57 percent think they should make more effort to prioritise doing things which make them happy – including getting lost in a good book (54 percent), and tucking into delicious food (48 percent).
The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found 63 percent would be interested in tips or advice on how to find more time for fun.
Mathilde van Roon, head of Onken, Emmi UK, added: “Let’s face it – the morning rush can often look like a comedy sketch gone wrong. Alongside Paddy, we’re spooning a little joy into your daily dash, to feed your inner happiness.”
