Brits Spend Over Two Days Monthly Procrastinating Key Tasks

A recent study reveals that the average Briton spends more than two days each month procrastinating on various tasks. Conducted by lastminute.com, the research surveyed 2,000 adults and found that many individuals avoid ‘tedious’ responsibilities approximately 17 times a week. Notably, 32% of respondents admitted to postponing certain jobs for several months or longer.

The tasks most frequently delayed include returning online shopping items, paying bills, and engaging in DIY projects. Additionally, a significant 33% of participants cited being ‘easily distracted’ as a reason for their procrastination, while 47% described these tasks as ‘boring’. The study indicates that procrastination can be a widespread issue, with 89% of adults acknowledging they have procrastinated at some point.

Interestingly, 23% of those surveyed have taken annual leave specifically to catch up on tasks they have been avoiding. While procrastination is often viewed negatively, some individuals prefer to delay tasks until the last moment. According to the findings, 39% actively choose to postpone responsibilities, and 14%The Psychology of Procrastination

Psychologist Emma Kenny, who collaborated with lastminute.com on the study, asserts that procrastination is not merely a sign of laziness. She explains, “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.”