One in four people find time to take a bath

Relaxing in a warm bath to unwind at the end of hard day has become a thing of the past for the overwhelming majority of Britons, a new survey suggests.

For time-strapped Brits in 2017, the ‘relaxing bath’ is just a myth and they are far more likely to go home to browse Facebook or watch an episode of Poldark on catch up.

A survey of 2,000 people reveals that only 4 per cent – one in 25 – of us find time to luxuriate with a long soak in a relaxing bath.

A survey of 2,000 people reveals that only 4 per cent – one in 25 – of us find time to luxuriate with a long soak in a relaxing bath

The research is backed up by Peter Kinderman, professor of clinical psychology at the University of Liverpool, who said: ‘People aren’t maximising opportunities which make them happy. We could be making better choices about how we spend our time.’

The majority of Britons prefer an efficient and functional shower instead of a bath, the poll by natural beauty products manufacturer Faith in Nature reveals.

According to the survey, 79 per cent of Brits, more than three quarters of the population, say they focus on speed and attention to cleanliness rather taking their time with a long soak in the tub.

Of the remainder, only 4 per cent of Brits prefer to take a long and luxurious bath with candles or scents, 4 per cent enjoy listening to music or singing their way through washing and 4 per cent of Brits find themselves daydreaming instead of washing.

Perhaps surprisingly, men (21 per cent) are more attentive than women (14 per cent) when it comes to their cleanliness ensuring nothing is left unwashed

Perhaps surprisingly, men (21 per cent) are more attentive than women (14 per cent) when it comes to their cleanliness ensuring nothing is left unwashed

The majority of people’s bathing habits do not change when it comes to weekend bathing as nearly 61 per cent of Brits keep the same shower routine seven days a week.

Perhaps surprisingly, men (21 per cent) are more attentive than women (14 per cent) when it comes to their cleanliness ensuring nothing is left unwashed.

Men who spend longer bathing than women at the weekends, leaving time pressed females to carry on their weekday routines throughout the weekend.

Prof Kinderman said: ‘There are plenty of opportunities to make us feel good. The possibilities for enhancing our lives are endless and the choices are there for the taking.

‘The paradox is that people aren’t choosing things to make their lives better; they’re making mundane and easy choices, which essentially aren’t making people happy.

‘I always encourage people to make conscious choices about how to spend their time. Whether you have a spare 10 minutes or 2 hours, think about how you would like to make the most of this time.

‘Whether the choice it to go for a run, to call a relative, bake a cake, or relax in a warm bath, it’s choosing things that enhance our lives that make us feel calmer, more relaxed, and happier.’

Joy Parkinson, managing director of Faith in Nature, said: ‘We were really surprised at the results of the national survey and it certainly indicates that Britons have forgotten how to relax.

‘Modern day life is busy and fast paced, and we agree with Professor Kinderman about the types of choices people are making.

‘Most people probably know that soaking in a warm bath provides a moment of calm for the mind and body, but they are choosing other ways to spend their time.

‘Perhaps this is a lesson for all of us that we should all give ourselves more time to do things that genuinely make us feel more relaxed.’  

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