Brits enjoy less than an hour of 'me time' daily for 3 key reasons

Brits enjoy less than an hour a day 'me time' by themselves when they can really switch off, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 51% can go one day a week or longer, without taking any time to call their own, with 29% only getting enough solo time 'a few days a week'.

Household chores, work and family responsibilities are the top reasons people are always 'on'. But it revealed if they do get a moment to tune out, 27% do some gardening, while 47% read a few pages of their book. And three in 10 (29%) think a simple cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit is the perfect way to hit reset.

The research was commissioned by premium biscuit brand Bahlsen, which teamed up with psychologist Jo Hemmings to encourage people to manage their mindfulness.

She said: "Sometimes the signs that you need more time for yourself aren't obvious. You might find yourself becoming unusually irritated by small things, or feeling oddly detached even when surrounded by people you care about.

"You may start misplacing items or forgetting simple tasks - a subtle sign your mind is overloaded. Perhaps you're craving solitude but feel guilty for wanting it, or you notice you're scrolling aimlessly through your phone just to escape.

"These quiet cues are your mind's way of whispering: it's time to pause and reconnect with yourself."

The study went on to find of those who do properly take time to relax, unwind and decompress, 40% feel calm and centred. While 37% have a more positive outlook, 32% are able to think more clearly, and 28% feel more in control.

But only 40% feel their work schedule allows for enough personal time, with 36% putting job responsibilities ahead of their own time each day. And 32% catch themselves checking emails or work messages when they could be decompressing on their own time.

A feeling of guilt often comes over 37% when they do manage to take time for themselves to unwind. Despite this, 93% see setting aside these moments to be mindful as important.

Jo Hemmings said: "The biggest blockers to daily relaxation and mindfulness aren't a lack of time - but a lack of permission we give ourselves to use it wisely.

"Many people feel guilty for slowing down, equating rest with laziness or unproductivity. There's also the constant pull of digital distractions and the pressure to be "always on," which keeps our minds in overdrive."

More than half (51%) associate different types of food and drink with relaxation, with a cup of tea topping the list.

It was deemed more relaxing than a glass of wine or a beer, a cup of hot chocolate - or a fruity smoothie, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

When it comes to snacks which help you unwind, chocolate (53%) and biscuits (45%) were popular choices.

Michelle Green for Bahlsen said: "We know life can feel like a constant juggle, between work, family, and everything in between.

"It's easy to forget to stop and breathe, which is why we want to celebrate those small, quiet pauses - those important 'me time' moments.

"It's not about earning a break, it's about allowing yourself one, because sometimes, meaningful moments are the ones where you simply stop, switch off, and savour something just for you."

THE TOP 20 WAYS BRITS UNWIND:

1. Watching a TV programme or film

2. Reading

3. Listening to music

4. Going for a walk

5. Spending time in nature

6. Enjoying a hot drink and a biscuit

7. Having a nap

8. Gardening

9. Browsing social media

10. Catching up with friends

11. Exercising or working out

12. Doing puzzles or crosswords

13. Spending time with pets

14. Cooking or baking

15. Taking a long bath or shower

16. Doing nothing at all

17. Listening to a podcast

18. Doing arts and crafts

19. Short meditation

20. Going for a drive