Study lists Brits top everyday stresses including traffic, waking up late and deciding what to wear

A new study has revealed 7.23am as the most stressful time of day with research finding the first ‘drama’ of the day typically happens by 8.18am. Topping the list of the top 50 everyday stresses people in the UK face is being stuck in traffic, followed by spilling something down clothing and dropping and smashing something accidentally.

According to the research, carried out by RESCUE Remedy, individuals experience an average of three stresses a day, with women having their first around 7:50am, while for men it’s around 8:43am. Other annoyances to make the list include forgetting carrier bags at the supermarket and realising an email you thought you’d sent is in your ‘drafts’.

Zuzana Bustikova, from RESCUE Remedy, said: “Often when we think ‘drama’ we think big, but the research shows how much of an impact seemingly small niggles can have on our daily moods.

“We know that a poor night’s sleep can offset the whole day, and challenging days can often result in sleepless nights, so it’s no wonder that mornings are when the first drama is experienced.”

The study also found that while 35% agreed little dramas are just part of life, a further 24% find it difficult to relax when they’re experiencing such woes. Zuzana Bustikova added: “More than ever, it’s important to understand what our body and mind are telling us and, whilst it’s not always easy, setting good habits like eating well, establishing a - somewhat - relaxing bedtime routine and making time to look after ourselves is crucial.

“Taking small steps to build our emotional resilience, even on those difficult days, can make a huge difference in helping us live life to the fullest.”

Top 50 everyday ‘stresses’ experienced by Brits 

1. Stuck in traffic

2. Spilling something down clothing e.g. food, drink, make-up, toothpaste etc

3. Dropping and smashing something accidentally e.g. a glass, a bowl

4. Waking up late

5. Spilling something on the carpet

6. Burning food

7. A pan of boiling water bubbling over onto the hob

8. Tripping over in public

9. Struggling to find a parking space

10. Being late for work

11. Forgetting carrier bags at the supermarket

12. Being pooed on by a bird

13. Spilling something on the sofa

14. Being locked out

15. Car engine not starting

16. Being late or missing public transport e.g. bus, train

17. Public transport being cancelled

18. Sending a text/message to the wrong person

19. Deciding what to have for dinner

20. Forgetting an umbrella in the rain

21. Deciding what to wear

22. Checking bank balance and having less money than expected

23. Forgetting someone else’s birthday

24. Mess caused by a child or pet

25. Clothes you want to wear being in the wash

26. Leaving wallet/purse at home

27. Forgetting trolley coin at supermarket

28. Getting a parking ticket

29. Having a backlog of emails

30. A friend owing money and not paying it back

31. Losing keys (car or house)

32. Experiencing road rage

33. Forgetting ingredients for a meal

34. Ripping tights

35. Leaving it too long to return an item to a shop e.g. for a refund

36. Lightbulb going and not having any spares

37. Realising an email you thought you’d sent is in your ‘drafts’

38. Forgetting important life admin e.g. MOT, insurance renewal, meter readings etc

39. Not knowing how to reply to a message e.g. text, dating app, social media

40. Trying to organise social plans

41. Spilling a drink on technology e.g. laptop, phone etc

42. Accidentally ‘liking’ someone’s post on social media from years ago

43. Being late due to having to de-ice the car

44. Having lots of text/WhatsApp messages to reply to

45. Playing something on your phone out loud in public e.g. a video, voice note etc

46. Choking in public e.g. on a drink

47. Getting a puncture while cycling

48. Forgetting about a meeting and not turning up

49. Late to pick my child up/drop them off e.g. at school, a party, activity club etc

50. Hair dryer or straighteners breaking