A new poll has revealed the top everyday frustrations that stress Brits out, with getting stuck in traffic leading the list. The study of 2,000 adults found that walking behind a slow pedestrian, stubbing a toe, and hearing a stranger talk loudly on speakerphone also rank high among daily annoyances.
Other common stressors include tidying the house only for children to mess it up again, a broken dishwasher, and forgetting an umbrella when it rains. On average, Brits experience three such frustrating moments each day, with 70% saying they feel the need for a break as a result.
The research, commissioned by Cadbury's TimeOut, found that 61% of people want more opportunities to take a break from daily stresses. Among those who do manage a mini-escape, 35% go for a brisk walk, 38% enjoy a hot cup of tea, and 20% scroll through social media.
To launch its “Time to Call TimeOut” campaign, Cadbury's set up a van at London’s Victoria Station, offering commuters free chocolate bars and tea to encourage them to take a moment to unwind. Diana Mamulian, brand manager, said: “The world is a bit crazy right now, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are plenty of frustrations that we just can’t control, so we think it’s time to focus on what we can.”
The study also found that Tuesday is considered the toughest day of the week by a fifth of adults. To cope with weekly stresses, 33% listen to music, while 28% opt for a cup of tea or a sweet treat. According to the OnePoll.com study, 59% say they need up to 20 minutes of time out to feel the benefits.
