The gift of time - survey reveals what Brits wish they had more time to spend on
In our busy lives, time is one of the most precious commodities and a new survey has revealed that 88% of Brits wish they had more hours and minutes available to spend doing activities that would make them happier and healthier.
Enjoying more time with friends and family topped the poll, with 43% of respondents wishing they had more time with loved ones. Over a third (35%) said they would like to be able to do more exercise, 29% want more time to relax at home and over a quarter would love to be able to curl up more often with a good book. A quarter wish they had more time to enjoy social activities or hobbies, and a further quarter simply want more time to catch up on sleep.
Only one in ten would choose to spend any extra time working, and 7% would spend it shopping.
The survey of 2,000 workers, which was commissioned by Continental Underfloor, found that unfortunately Brits have to sacrifice a lot of their time being held up or delayed by factors out of their control. In fact, they clock up 4,075 minutes every year hanging around or changing their plans because of unforeseen circumstances.
One of the worst offenders is staying late at work, which happens on average 24 times a year, with hard working Brits most likely to burn the midnight oil on Wednesdays, Thursdays and – most depressingly – Fridays.
Traffic jams or road works are also bad offenders. Respondents to the survey reported they are affected on average 24 times a year by chaos on the roads, with Mondays being the worst day to travel.
The weather, other people’s tardiness and waiting in for delivery people or workmen eat into the average Brit’s precious time 22, 21 and 17 times a year respectively.
Nearly three quarters (71%) of people describe their routine and plans as very or fairly important to them. Over a quarter (28%) say they feel stressed if they are delayed or made to be late, a quarter feel agitated and 14% become angry or worried.
The top ten activities Brits wish they had more time to spend doing:
1. Spend time with friends and family (43%)
2. Exercise (35%)
3. Relax at home (30%)
4. Read (26%)
5. Social activities and hobbies (25%)
6. Sleep (25%)
7. Housework, DIY or gardening (20%)
8. Cook (15%)
9. Work (10%)
10. Shop (7%)
