Research Reveals Brits Spend Over Two Days Monthly on Procrastination

A recent study has unveiled that the average British adult spends more than two full days each month procrastinating, according to research commissioned by lastminute.com. The survey of 2,000 adults revealed that individuals avoid “tedious” tasks approximately 17 times a week. Notably, 32% of respondents admitted to delaying certain jobs for several months or longer.

The findings highlighted that common tasks often postponed include returning online shopping items, paying bills, and undertaking DIY projects. A significant 33% of those surveyed cited being “easily distracted” as a reason for their procrastination, while 47% described the tasks as “boring.”

Interestingly, the survey indicated that 23% of participants have taken annual leave specifically to catch up on these delayed tasks. Yet, procrastination may not always have negative implications; 39% of respondents indicated they prefer to leave tasks until later, and 14% believe they achieve better results under pressure.

Emma Kenny, a psychologist collaborating with lastminute.com, explained that procrastination can sometimes serve as a coping mechanism for those feeling overwhelmed. She stated, “Procrastination isn’t simply about laziness; it’s often a coping mechanism for feeling overwhelmed. While chronic procrastination can increase stress, the 14% who report better results under pressure may actually be leveraging their natural work rhythms.”

The study revealed that 89% of adults admit to procrastinating at some point. Among these individuals, 50% tend to put off personal tasks more frequently, while 11% procrastinate primarily on work-related tasks. Additionally, 30% indicated they avoid certain jobs in both aspects of their lives. Commonly postponed tasks also included responding to emails, updating CVs, and even going to bed. Many participants also delayed replying to personal messages, going to the gym, or updating their devices.

Kenny further emphasized, “Procrastination is a natural, human trait. While it can evoke feelings of guilt, it can also provide us with the space to think clearly about our choices and to process ideas properly.” She added that changing the narrative around procrastination can transform it into an opportunity for adventure, particularly when it comes to planning trips.

The research, conducted by OnePoll, revealed that 83% of participants have specific procrastination strategies. For instance, 27% prefer to start tasks at a “nice round number” such as 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. Furthermore, 22% will only begin a task when it becomes “absolutely essential.” To avoid tackling necessary jobs, 25% admitted to engaging in unrelated activities, like intensive research on topics that could wait.

Additionally, 27% of survey respondents consciously choose to procrastinate to prolong the anticipation of upcoming tasks. Zoe Fidler, a spokesperson for lastminute.com, remarked, “It’s clear to see that us Brits are a procrasti-nation. Some people even prefer it, saying putting things off helps to build excitement and anticipation.”

Ultimately, the research suggests that, particularly regarding travel, procrastination can lead to positive outcomes, as one in five customers of lastminute.com book their holidays within just 72 hours of departure.