Top 50 everyday 'dramas' - from waking up late to being stuck in traffic

07 February 2023 , 10:35

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The most stressful everyday “dramas” Brits experience include waking up late, spilling something down their clothing, and being late for work, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 Brits found that they typically experience three dramas a day – with being stuck in traffic coming top of the list.

Accidentally dropping and smashing something, tripping over in public, and burning food while cooking, also ranked highly on the top 50 list.

And the most stressful time of the day was found to be as early as 7.23am – with women dealing with their first drama at around 7.50am, while men face theirs at 8.43am.

But more than a third (35%) accept that little dramas are just a part of everyday life – such as not being able to find a parking space, or their public transport being cancelled.

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Top 50 everyday 'dramas' - from waking up late to being stuck in traffic

Being stuck in traffic is the top everyday 'drama' for Brits (SWNS)

The research was commissioned by RESCUE Remedy, and found that tiredness (46%), an interrupted night’s sleep (36%), and a busy day at work (33%), were among the top causes for such dramas.

Zuzana Bustikova, for the wellbeing brand, 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 one in four (24%) find it difficult to relax when they’re experiencing such woes, and are left feeling frustrated (32%), anxious (23%), and tired (21%).

As many as four in ten (41%) have been kept awake at night – or woken up – due to everyday annoyances, with this affecting 50% of women in comparison to just one in three men (32%).

Similarly, 24% admitted that overthinking everyday issues impacts their sleep, and 22% find it emotionally draining.

Adults typically have five things on their mind at one time, and 16% believe they experience more dramas than others.

A quarter (24%) of those polled, via OnePoll, admitted drama-inducing situations are typically caused by themselves, such as waking up late – although 15% blame others.

If a drama is experienced with someone else involved, it’s most likely to happen face to face (41%), rather than over a phone call (23%) or social media (22%).

The first drama of the day usually happens at 8.18am - although women can face theirs as early as 7.50am (Rescue Remedy)

When in a bad mood, 32% turn to their partner for support, while 24% of women confide in their female friends, and 18% of men look to male peers for advice.

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But two in five of those polled (41%) have felt unsupported by a loved one when experiencing a drama – with 47% of women, and 36% of men, feeling this way.

On the other hand, 42% have supported others if they’re down by simply listening – while 32% have been a shoulder to cry on, and 19% have ranted along with them.

The top things that have improved moods after experiencing a little drama are a walk (30%), listening to music (28%), and alone time (26%).

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 “DRAMAS” BRITS EXPERIENCE:

Being stuck in traffic
Spilling something down clothing e.g. food, drink, make-up, toothpaste, etc.
Dropping and smashing something accidentally e.g. a glass, a bowl
Waking up late
Spilling something on the carpet
Burning food
A pan of boiling water bubbling over onto the hob
Tripping over in public
Struggling to find a parking space
Being late for work
Forgetting to take carrier bags to the supermarket
Being pooed on by a bird
Spilling something on the sofa
Being locked out
Car engine not starting
Being late or missing public transport e.g. bus, train
Public transport being cancelled
Sending a text/message to the wrong person
Deciding what to have for dinner
Forgetting an umbrella in the rain
Deciding what to wear
Checking my bank balance and having less money than I expected
Forgetting someone else's birthday
Mess caused by a child or pet
Clothes you want to wear being in the wash
Leaving my wallet/purse at home
Forgetting the trolley coin at the supermarket
Getting a parking ticket
Having a backlog of emails
A friend owing money and not paying it back
Losing keys (house or car keys)
Experiencing road rage
Forgetting ingredients for a meal
Ripping a pair of tights
Leaving it too long to return an item to a shop for a refund
Lightbulb going and not having any spares
Realising an email you thought you had sent is in your “drafts”
Forgetting important life admin e.g. MOT, insurance renewal, meter readings, etc.
Not knowing how to reply to a message e.g. text, dating apps, social media
Trying to organise social plans
Spilling a drink on technology e.g. a laptop, phone, etc.
Accidentally “liking” someone’s post on social media from years ago
Being late due to having to de-ice the car
Having lots of text/WhatsApp messages to reply to
Playing something on your phone out loud in public e.g. a video, voice note, etc.
Choking in public e.g. on a drink
Getting a puncture whilst cycling
Forgetting about a meeting and simply not turning up
Being late to pick my child up/drop them off e.g. at school, a party, activity club, etc.
Hairdryer or straighteners breaking