Work Mad Brits Leave No Time For Other Half

Millions of Britons spend less than 6 hours a week enjoying time with their loved ones, according to new research into whether Britons enjoy balanced lives, commissioned by Imodium.

The research was carried out to find out more about frenzied Brits who don’t often stop to think about how their busy lives might affect their digestive health1.

The nationwide Imodium Life Balance survey reveals that 97 per cent of Brits are living their lives out of kilter, with just 3 per cent achieving satisfactory life balance ratings, based on a formula created by psychologist Dr David Lewis.

Dr Lewis says “The survey revealed that almost a third of respondents claimed to experience high levels of stress at least once a week, therefore increasing their chances of experiencing stress-related health problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome or diarrhoea.”

"Neglecting relationships is one of the factors most damaging to a healthy life balance. 15 per cent of those questioned in the survey (approximately 7 million people in the UK) said they spent between 0 and 6 hours each week on relationships with their partner—a pitifully small amount of time compared to the hours we spend commuting and at work."

The research also profiled Brits according to how much their life was out of balance revealing that many of us are work hardened ‘Aggressors’ spending much of our lives at work, and sacrificing time with those we love.

Only one in five 25 - 34 year olds spends more than 24 hours per week on their relationship with their partner, with a quarter of people aged 55 and over spending less than 6 hours per week. Conversely, the survey showed that 10 per cent of Brits spends more than 60 hours per week at work.

Dr Lewis continues: "The research shows that people in the UK desperately need to take steps to improve their life balance. Simple steps include upping the amount of exercise taken each week to 2.5 hours, eating five portions of fruit and vegetables each day and simply making time to relax with friends and family. The feeling that work is all there is seems to be unique to the UK and it must change if we are to maintain good health into later life."

The nationwide Life Balance survey was commissioned as part the Imodium Balance Your Life campaign to help people lead more balanced lives. Anyone wishing to discover their own life balance rating and psychological profile can do so by visiting Lifebalancechallenge.com.