Getting stuck in traffic, and home appliances breaking, are top daily stresses

18 July 2023 , 14:59

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Getting stuck in traffic is the top cause of everyday stress, Brits say (Image: Yellow Dog Productions/Getty Images)

Getting stuck in traffic, walking behind someone who is dawdling, and important home appliances breaking, are the top everyday stresses that leave Brits feeling flustered, research has found.

Stubbing your toe, your car breaking down, and tidying the house only for it to be messed up again moments later, are other frustrations likely to get under people's skin.

And the survey of 2,000 adults found that they typically experience three of these little stresses each day – but 61% feel they don't get enough time to themselves to take a break from the things that wind them up.

Going for a brisk walk (35%), listening to music (33%), or enjoying a cup of tea or a sweet treat (both 28%), are some of the top ways Brits would choose to unwind – while one in five would opt for a quick scroll on social media.

However, while seven in ten feel they always need to take some time out from their daily stresses, 26% admit they only get the chance to do so a few times a week.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

And 61% believe they would greatly benefit from having more opportunities to catch their breath every once in a while.

Cadbury's TimeOut is handing out free chocolate bars in London to remind commuters to take a moment to unwind (PinPep)

The research was commissioned by Cadbury's TimeOut to launch its “Time to Call TimeOut” campaign, which encourages people to take a moment when things get too much.

Commuters at London’s Victoria Station were greeted with a van offering an escape from their morning rush, with a chocolate bar and cup of tea to enjoy instead.

Diana Mamulian, brand manager, said: “The world is a bit crazy right now, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are plenty of frustrations that we just can’t control, so we think it’s time to focus on what we can.”

The OnePoll.com study saw a fifth of adults cite Tuesday as the toughest day of the week – and, when getting the chance to take a time out, 59% say they need to do this for up to 20 minutes before they feel the benefits.

Diana Mamulian added: “We hope the commuters lucky enough to spot our “Time to Call TimeOut” station manage to enjoy a bit of a breather from the daily grind.

“Hopefully we can help remind people it’s okay to take those emergency moments for themselves – we all need it.”

TOP 10 THINGS THAT MAKE BRITS FEEL STRESSED:

1. Getting stuck in traffic
2. Important home appliances breaking
3. Walking behind someone who is dawdling
4. Your car breaking down
5. Tidying the house only for it to be ruined moments later by your children/partner
6. Putting your washing out to dry and it rains
7. Stubbing your toe
8. Realising there's nothing in the fridge for dinner
9. Forgetting your umbrella when it rains
10. A stranger nearby taking a call on speakerphone

Sarah Lumley