Nearly half of Britons feel more stressed than they did six months ago amid growing cost of living pressures

New research has revealed that almost half of Brits feel more stressed than they did six months ago amid growing cost-of-living pressures. The nationwide survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by beauty supplement brand Perfectil, suggests 7 in 10 have experienced feelings of burnout — feeling drained (57 per cent), physically exhausted (43 per cent), angry, or irritable (43 per cent). Sixty-four per cent of Brits report that ongoing stress is affecting their overall appearance, while 65 per cent believe it has accelerated the signs of aging.

The cost-of-living crisis has been identified as the leading source of stress by survey participants, with 43 percent reporting that it has exacerbated existing issues. Clinical psychologist Jo Hemmings described the survey findings as "concerning," noting that burnout impacts many people throughout their lives, affecting their work, home life, and relationships. “It is important that people recognise the signs and symptoms to avoid prolonged or ongoing stress which can affect their wellbeing ,” she said.



“To help combat this, I would recommend allowing yourself some time for self-care, whatever that looks like for you. Start with micro-wellness rituals, such as mindful breathing for a few minutes a day and build up from there. “Identify triggers that leave your mind feeling exhausted and work on these, this could be a reduction in screen time or a step away from technology that allows you to reconnect to real life with a more mindful and positive attitude.

” The survey highlighted a growing demand for wellness routines, with nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of participants acknowledging that stress is negatively affecting their overall appearance. Over half (51 percent) of respondents spend less than an hour on wellness activities each week, citing a lack of motivation (49 percent). Meanwhile, more than a third (38 percent) expressed a desire to dedicate more than an hour each week to wellness activities in order to manage their current stress levels.

One in five participants reported having tired-looking skin, while 21 percent admitted to neglecting their health and beauty routines. Additionally, 19 percent said they’ve been engaging in "doomscrolling" — continuously consuming negative or distressing news on social media or news websites — as a way of coping. Now, BBC Radio 1 host Vick Hope and Perfectil have created a Micro-Wellness Rituals Guide, which provides simple steps to help prioritise mental and physical wellbeing.

The broadcaster expressed her hope that the guide will inspire others to better manage their stress and achieve a balanced, healthier approach to their daily lives. “It’s never easy to prioritise yourself when you have a family or a busy life, and we are all guilty of setting aside our own wellbeing to focus on the demands of now, but you matter too,” she said. “We must all find time for a practice that allows us to embrace and nurture our mental wellbeing, be that yoga, meditation or a walk in nature.

This is the key to a balanced and healthy life.”.