Brits spending less than ever on 'me time' as two in five admit 'doom scrolling'

Frazzled Brits are spending less time than ever recharging their social batteries - with a weary two-fifths classing doom scrolling as 'self care'. Despite wellness being very much in vogue, half of Brits (47 per cent) are getting less 'me time' than they managed five years ago.

Shockingly, doom scrolling on , , X and other platforms was considered a form of self-care by two-fifths (38 per cent) of Brits. The survey of 2,000 UK adults found that despite a whopping 97 per cent of people agreeing that taking time out is essential for their wellbeing, very few are.

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The research, commissioned by Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey, revealed that more than one in ten (14%) struggle to remember the last time they did something indulgent just for themselves. Of those quizzed, just one third (36%) of people are managing to take a moment for 'me time' every day.

Back-to-back meetings, endless to-do lists, and juggling the needs of others leave Brits with very little time for themselves. Work topped the list of barriers to self care (25%), lack of time (13%) and looking after kids (13%) came joint second while spending time with family (10%) rounded off the top three.

Pets and digital distractions (4%), and guilt (3%), are also reasons why, alongside money, people struggle to find time. Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey has teamed up with the king of fabulous himself, Craig Revel Horwood, to encourage Brits to put themselves first for once and ditch the guilt.

Craig said: "Darling if you're not treating yourself, then what are you doing? Life's far too short not to take time for yourself to indulge and unwind.

"That's why I'm thrilled to partner with Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey because, frankly, we all deserve a moment that's as luxurious, rich and generous as these fabulous biscuits."

To help inspire the nation to indulge, Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey is launching the Fabulous Me Time Moments competition, giving one lucky winner £1,000-worth of luxury spa vouchers.

Isobel Farthing at Fox's Fabulous Chocolatey said: "It's really shocking how few of us give ourselves permission to properly unwind. We believe a little indulgence goes a long way. Fox's Chocolatey Rounds are baked with generosity in every bite, the perfect accompaniment to much-deserved me time."

For more information, and to enter the competition, visit

Top 10 list of Brits' biggest barriers to taking more 'me time':

• Work/ my job (25%)
• Lack of time (13%)
• Looking after my children (13%)
• Spending time with family (10%)
• Cleaning (7%)
• Digital distractions (4%)
• Looking after pets (4%)
• Financial reasons (4%)
• Spending time with friends (3%)
• Guilt (3%)