The typical Brit only gets 46 minutes of free time a day, research has found. A poll of 2,000 adults found “me-time” is a rarity for most – with work (56 percent), chores (57 percent), and life admin (30 percent), among the biggest barriers.
Half of those polled claimed the only time they get to themselves is when they go to bed, while three in 10 consider trips to the bathroom to be their free time.
However, 36 percent admit they have no idea what to do with themselves, when they do find themselves with some down time.
The research was carried out on behalf of 888 Casino, which has also commissioned a “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.”
In an ideal world, 91 minutes would be the perfect amount of spare time – twice as much as what the average adult currently gets.
More than half (51 percent) revealed they’d spend it reading a good book, while 41 percent would enjoy a country walk – but a third would prefer to do absolutely nothing.
For 13 percent, the longest time they have gone without getting any me-time is up to a week – with 32 percent admitting they don’t make it enough of a priority for themselves.
However, when they do get it, 55 percent enjoy it “a lot” – with the same percentage preferring to spend it on their own, rather than with others.
Having some time to themselves makes 21 percent feel “carefree”, and 43 percent “rested” – with 23 percent feeling a sense of relief.
It also emerged 82 percent 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 percent feel too much of it can be detrimental.
According to the OnePoll.com study, 41 percent feel pressure to make the most of this quality time – which hinders the ability to enjoy it, for 74 percent.
Despite this, six in 10 (59 percent) 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.”