New research has uncovered that many Britons struggle to relax, with 69% admitting they fail to switch off properly and spend only 67 minutes per week relaxing. The study found that 39% of people experience guilt when taking time for themselves.
Everyday Guilt Triggers
Beyond relaxation, people feel guilty about various everyday activities. These include cancelling plans with friends, taking too long to reply to messages, crossing the street to avoid casual conversation with neighbours, calling in sick to work, leaving the bed unmade, eating chips, and discarding small amounts of food. Additionally, staying in pyjamas past 10am and not calling parents frequently enough are common sources of guilt.
Food-Related Guilt
Food appears to be a persistent trigger for guilt. The research shows that 23% feel guilty after eating cake, 22% after consuming two biscuits, and 20% after ordering a Friday night takeaway.
Holiday Relaxation Challenges
Two-thirds of respondents admit they find it difficult to relax during holidays, even while sunbathing on a lounger. On average, it takes Britons three days of a week-long break to fully unwind. In response, Marella Cruises, TUI's UK cruise line, has designed the world's first PJkini, a hybrid swimwear-nightwear garment aimed at eliminating decision fatigue and encouraging complete relaxation.
Denise van Outen, Marella Cruises' Chief Chill-Out Officer, commented: "I've always loved holidays and everything they're meant to be about - switching off, having fun and properly relaxing - so I know just how hard it can be for Brits to actually do that without feeling guilty. That's why I love the PJkini. As the world's first swimwear-meets-nightwear hybrid, it's the ultimate lazy hack for anyone who wants to maximise relaxation from the moment their holiday begins. It's fun, practical, and basically says: stop faffing and enjoy yourself. Holiday mode should start before you even step onboard, not days into your break. With this, it's just easy, effortless relaxation all the way."
