Nearly one in three say they don’t prioritise time for themselves enough – enjoying just 46 minutes of free time each day
Busy Brits feel that 91 minutes of spare time for themselves each day would be the optimum amount – but in reality, they get just half of this, with a mere 46 minutes of down time daily, according to research.
Some of the top things standing in the way of enjoying some “me-time” include chores (57%), work (56%), and life admin (30%).
But almost a third (32%) confess they don’t prioritise making time for themselves enough – with 36% saying that, when some free time does come up, they have no idea how to spend it.
However, the survey of 2,000 adults found that over half (55%) would rather enjoy their “me-time” alone, rather than with others – while the same percentage claim they enjoy such time “a lot”.
In light of the findings, 888 Casino, which commissioned the research, has created this “me-time calculator”, where users can discover how much – or little – free time they get.
A spokesman said: “Me-time certainly seems to be scarce at the moment, thanks to many factors in our lives. On the rare occasions when we do experience this, it seems we’re unsure how to spend it – which seems slightly ridiculous, and just shows how little time we get to ourselves as a nation.”
More than half (51%) revealed they would choose to spend their free time reading a good book, while 41% would enjoy a country walk – but a third would prefer to do absolutely nothing.
For 13%, the longest time they have gone without getting any me-time is up to a week. But having some time to themselves makes 21% feel “carefree”, and 43% “rested” – with 23% feeling a sense of relief.
It also emerged 82% reckon a bit of “me-time” is vital for their mental well-being – although the same percentage believe too much of it is just as bad as having too little of it, and 24% feel too much of it can be detrimental.
According to the OnePoll.com study, 41% feel pressure to make the most of this quality time – which hinders the ability to enjoy it, for 74%.
Despite this, six in 10 (59%) consider me-time as a productive exercise, with the top benefits including a mental health boost, switching off, and resetting their mind.
The spokesman for 888 added: “There are so many reasons why we need to take some time out for ourselves, and switch off from life around us. It can be hard trying to make this a priority, but it definitely needs to be, and is something that should come higher on the priority list for many Brits.”
