Brits spend 27 days a year worrying about 'micro-stresses'

Nation spends two hours a day feeling tense, survey finds

Amid our busy lives, adults across the UK are being affected by everyday anxieties (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits spend the equivalent of 27 days a year worrying about "micro-stresses", according to research.

Amid our busy lives, adults across the UK are being affected by everyday anxieties such as losing a wallet, bag or keys.

The poll of 2,000 men and women found the nation spends just under two hours every day feeling tense.

Nearly two thirds pinned this on the pressure and demands of everyday life, with 38 per cent putting it down to a lack of time.

In fact, adults will stress 3,676 times every year, with six in 10 believing these small stresses are having an impact on their wellbeing.

The research was commissioned by Vodafone UK to understand the impact of small stresses over time.

Dr David Lewis, one of the UK’s leading psychologists for MindLab International, has warned that as lives get busier, people are experiencing small daily stresses which can have a cumulative affect over time.

He said: “While these individual stresses may not significantly affect an individual’s physical or psychological performance, a build-up of ‘micro-stresses’ can affect a person’s well-being.”

The research also revealed the top 20 stress-triggers, with losing a wallet coming out on top.

Leaving a bag on public transport, a pet going missing, losing a bank card and breaking down in a car also featured highly in the list.

Three i every four adults agreed losing things causes them stress, and one third admitted they lose things because they are busy and always rushing.

Just under one in five confessed to misplacing items because they are disorganised, and 27 per cent said they are forgetful.

The research also found adults will lose six items every month and spend a total of one hour and 48 minutes hunting down these lost belongings.

The mobile and broadband provider is using its network and its new ‘Internet of Things’ V by Vodafone product range to enable consumers to stay connected to the things they care about, including a bag, pet or car.

Glafkos Persianis, Commercial Director, Vodafone UK said: “The Internet of Things has huge potential to make our lives easier. That is why we have launched V by Vodafone, to give our customers extra peace of mind about the things they care about.”

The research was commissioned by Vodafone to understand the role its V by Vodafone products can play in making people’s lives easier and less stressful by helping prevent the loss of cherished items.

Top 20 everyday stresses

1. Losing a wallet
2. Losing a job
3. Leaving a bag or belongings on public transport
4. Losing a phone
5. Losing a bank card
6. A pet going missing
7. Breaking down in a car
8. Missing a flight/train/bus
9. Forgetting to lock the back or front door
10. Losing keys
11. Having an argument with a partner
12. Moving home
13. Being on time for things/not being late
14. Not having cash when you need it
15. Forgetting passwords
16. Missing an appointment
17. Having enough money to last until the end of the month
18. Paying off debt
19.  A partner's health
20.  Having enough petrol to get home

SWNS