Brits are struggling to cope with the stresses of modern life, and are reporting a low mood or being emotionally vulnerable around 2 days a week, a study finds.
Not getting enough sleep, working too many hours, and not keeping fit are all top reasons for such a high number of people saying they spend the day in a low or bad mood. Figures show that the average adult spends as many as three days a week feeling bad or not having enough energy to go about their day.
Over a third of adults admit they sometimes go for long periods of time where they don’t even have a day of feeling full well or in “good” condition.
Data collected by Wellness company, Vitabiotics, shows that 1 in 5 people in the UK report feeling low at least two days during the week, lacking energy, feeling overly stressed with work, and generally not being in great condition.
A survey carried out nationwide shows that not getting enough sleep is the biggest culprit for causing a bad mood, followed by general stress levels and not being able to get an early night.
Additionally, around 1 in 5 of us are reaching for the bottle to cope with a lower-than-average mood, and yet a similar number of us blame alcohol for causing a glum state.
Based on the survey, which asked 2000 Brits about their lives and moods, the top 10 reasons for not feeling in good condition are:
- A bad night’s sleep
- Stress
- Going to bed late the night before
- Having to wake up early
- A bad day at work
- A bad diet
- An argument with their partner
- Not getting in their usual amount of exercise
- A hefty workload
- Drinking too much
A Vitabiotics Wellwoman & Wellman spokesperson said: “At this time of year, it can be rare to have a day where you feel wide awake, in a great mood and ready for whatever life throws at you.
“But it’s staggering to see just how few days we have where we feel great.
“Simply feeling a little bit tired, or overloaded at work, can leave us feeling out of sorts – it really doesn’t take much to take our day from perfect to just so-so.
“Sometimes, just making small lifestyle changes, like improving your diet or doing a little bit of exercise, can make a huge difference to how you feel, hopefully boosting the time you spend feeling on top form.”
Data also revealed how almost half of Brits admit to feeling tired or less than well on most days, with a similar amount admitting that it’s “very rare” they wake up feeling good and ready for the day ahead.
Getting into arguments or having an unhealthy diet, along with generally just not getting enough rest, are among the top reasons people say they do not feel in tip top condition. Almost half of the 2000 people surveyed admitted they had fallen out with someone as a result of being tired and less tolerant than normal.
A spokesman for Vitabiotics Wellman and Wellwoman added: “It is worrying that so few Brits feel genuinely in tip-top physical condition and it goes to show how important a good diet and plenty of sleep is for the demands of today’s modern lifestyle. For those wanting to stay on top, Vitabiotics Wellman & Wellwoman provides micronutrient support with over 20 vitamins and minerals, plus more.
“If you are having one of those days, Wellman and Wellwoman Energy is the ideal addition to tablets when you want an extra boost of energy releasing vitamins.
“Both make a great tasting refreshing drink with vitamins B6 and B12, magnesium and iron which contribute to normal energy release and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.”