Eight in ten Brits admit to wasting their downtime – by scrolling on phones

Eight in ten Brits admit to wasting their downtime – by mindlessly scrolling for hours on end. A study of 2,000 adults found 56 percent feel they spend less than half of their free time in a fulfilling way, as they’re surfing the net or looking through social media the rest of the time.

Outside of work, other time-consuming tasks getting in the way of Brits making the most of their leisure time include watching TV (57 percent), cleaning the house (34 percent), and organising life admin (33 percent).

It emerged that people are six times more likely to enjoy being in nature, than spending time on social media (66 percent, vs 11 percent).

However, a third (34 percent) admit to regularly scrapping such plans – to scroll on their phones instead.

As a result, 52 percent feel disconnected from what’s important in life, because they are spending too much time online.

And just under half (46 percent) say they know they should be more productive with their downtime, but after work they’re just too tired to make the effort.

Corona commissioned the survey to launch Sunsets Festival, a one-day festival taking place in September, that encourages people to disconnect from their digitally-led lives, reconnect with nature, and celebrate the sunset.

Stuart Sandeman, Sunday Times bestselling author and founder of Breathpod, who is hosting breathwork sessions at the festival, said: “It’s interesting to see that although people know the importance of disconnecting, being outside, and having digital downtime, they still find it hard to make it happen.

“Our “always on”, technology-led lifestyles are impacting our health and wellbeing, and preventing people from making the most of their downtime.

“Work is obviously a huge part of this. If you are online all day, disconnection is much more difficult to achieve, even at weekends.”

The survey went on to find reading (39 percent), seeing friends and family (37 percent), gardening (31 percent), and listening to music (30 percent) are the most fulfilling activities Brits do in their spare time.

And 67 percent think watching the sunset is the perfect way to destress.

Getting out and about gives 72 percent a sense of wellbeing – and it only takes, on average, 12 minutes outside in nature to feel the benefits, according to the OnePoll.com data.

However, 22 percent admit they spend more time chatting to friends online than in real life – and 27 percent have even lost some pals due to not seeing them regularly enough.

Stuart Sandeman added: “The study found that it’s often the simple things that bring happiness to millions of people, and help them reconnect and unwind – whether that’s prioritising quality time with loved ones, or taking a minute to catch a beautiful sunset moment after work.”

Corona Sunsets takes place at Hatfield Park, in Hertfordshire, on September 2nd.

Beyond the music, the festival will also feature various experiences inspired by nature and disconnection, such as DIY herb garden workshops led by Michelin-starred chef Brad Carter.