A study found they typically avoid ‘tedious’ tasks 17 times a week, with the most common reason being that they are ‘boring’ – and there are 20 tasks that Brits commonly put off
Research revealed they regularly dodge ‘boring’ chores 17 times weekly – with 32% refusing to tackle certain jobs for several months or longer.
Returning online purchases, settling bills, and completing DIY projects are amongst the duties they’re most prone to delaying.
A third (33%) sidestep responsibilities because they’re ‘easily distracted’, whilst a further 47% do so because they’re ‘dull’. It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.
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Commissioned by lastminute.com, which provides deals on holidays, flights, and hotels, the survey of 2,000 adults discovered 23% have turned to taking annual leave to catch up on all the chores they’ve been putting off.
However, putting things off isn’t always troublesome – 39% actively favour leaving matters until the last minute, with 14% believing they achieve superior outcomes when they do so.
Psychologist Emma Kenny, who has partnered with the travel firm, reckons delaying can enhance patience and also makes people feel more appreciative. She said: “Procrastination isn’t simply about laziness, it’s often a coping mechanism for feeling overwhelmed.
“But while chronic procrastination can increase stress, the 14% who report better results under pressure may actually be leveraging their natural work rhythms. The key is distinguishing between productive delay and avoidance that creates genuine problems.”
Of those who ever procrastinate – which is a whopping 89% of adults – the study found that half do so more with personal tasks and 11% do so more with work-related tasks. However, 30% dodge certain jobs in both walks of life – at work and at home.
Other tasks they regularly put off include responding to emails, updating their CV, and even going to sleep. Many also delay replying to personal messages like texts and WhatsApps, going to the gym or exercising, and backing up devices or updating software.
Emma Kenny chimed in: “Procrastination is a natural, human trait and whilst it can make people feel guilty, it can also give us space to think clearly about choosing the right moment and to process the idea and holiday plans properly.
“When you change the narrative from ‘I still haven’t done it’ to ‘I just found an incredible last-minute deal’, procrastination becomes a passport to adventure.”
It also emerged that a staggering 83% have procrastination tactics they actively employ – including starting jobs at a ‘nice round number’ like 3pm or 4pm (27%). More than a fifth (22%) will hold off doing anything until it’s ‘absolutely essential’ a task needs to be completed.
And 25% will do something else which doesn’t need doing – like intensely researching something which could wait – to avoid sitting down to tackle a task.
A study conducted via OnePoll has revealed that 27% of people consciously choose to delay tasks to savour the thrill of anticipation for as long as possible.
Zoe Fidler, a spokesperson for lastminute.com, commented: “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, anticipation, and the threat of a deadline getting tasks done faster.
“And when it comes to holidays in particular it’s never too late to book one – in fact, one in five of our customers book within just 72 hours of departure.”
TOP 20 MOST COMMON TASKS BRITS AVOID.
- Cleaning the house or doing laundry.
- Cleaning the car.
- Doing life admin (e.g. paying bills renewing passports, budgeting, reviewing or cancelling subscription and membership, reviewing financial statements).
- Booking appointments (e.g. dentist, GP).
- DIY/home repairs.
- Making important phone calls.
- Responding to emails.
- Replying to personal messages.
- Shaving or waxing.
- Exercising/going to the gym.
- Going to sleep.
- Reading a book.
- Backing up devices or updating software.
- Getting ready for the day.
- Updating LinkedIn or CV.
- Sending back online shopping returns.
- Buying something on sale hoping it will get discounted even more.
- Buying holiday outfits.
- Buying new swim wear or underwear.
- Booking vaccination appointments.