One in five Brits are cancelling social plans because they have too much on their to-do list
While everyone has a list of things they have to accomplish, whether that be mentally stored or written down, many of us know we need to fit in time to decompress and socialise in order to not become overwhelmed and burnt out.
However, a recent poll has suggested that not everyone is making this crucial time available. Out of 2,000 adults, a whopping 92 per cent admitted to cancelling social meet ups due to needing to get other things done. On top of this, 11 per cent admitted they do this 'often or always'.
More shockingly, more than a quarter of respondents confessed to cancelling two or more plans in the past month alone. The Express also reports that 22 per cent of adults said that they sometimes make plans whilst already knowing they will back out later.
READ MORE: Experts reveal exact exercises you should from your 20s to 70s
READ MORE: Dad died after knee operation following 'catalogue of missed opportunities'
The most common cancelled commitments, revealed by OnePoll, were going on a night out, meeting up with a friend for coffee, and work parties.
The research showed that despite 36 per cent of people wanting to say "yes" to activities they enjoy, "life admin" seemed to get in the way for over one in 10 respondents. Work commitments and lack of energy were also frequently used reasons to cancel plans.
Of those surveyed, a fifth of them claimed that they don't have enough hours in the day to balance social events along with getting their household chores done. However, its not all doom and gloom, as 38 per cent believed that more socialising would bring greater joy and fun into their lives.
Overall, many Brits reported that they felt guilty about choosing enjoyable activities over their responsibilities, therefore choosing to stick to their growing to-do list instead of factoring in some time for fun and relaxation.
The research was commissioned ahead of the National Lottery Open Week, which is set to take place from March 15 to the 23rd. This week will see venues which are funded by the National Lottery offer free or discounted entry, as well as other special offers, as a thank you to players for raising £30million weekly for good causes.
Ellie Taylor, comedian and National Lottery Open Week ambassador, said: "As a mum of two young kids, I know full well how manic life can get. The constant juggle trying to get through the never-ending to-do list can be a lot at the best of times, and it's too easy to say no to things. But it's important to find time for the things we want to do as much as the things we have to do."
She added: "I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to say yes to new experiences that have come my way over the years. I couldn't have foreseen everything I've learned, the memories I've made and the positive impact saying yes has had on my life."
