A 'not-to-do' list: Britons suffer undue stress because we usually have four hours of personal admin tasks to carry out... but we keep putting them off

A third of Brits say outstanding tasks cause them undue stress, research shows58 per cent of the UK has unfinished chores still sitting on the dreaded ‘to do’ listOn average, the respondents said they spend three months putting tasks off

Brits have an average of four hours’ worth of admin to complete – and a third of the nation confess the outstanding tasks cause them undue stress, research suggests.

A survey found 58 per cent of the UK has unfinished tasks – with chores sitting on the dreaded ‘to do’ list including booking a dentist appointment, making a will, signing up to a GP.

On average, respondents said they spend three months putting tasks off.

The main reasons for doing so were because they can’t face dealing with them or find it difficult to find the time (15 per cent) or they feel overwhelmed by the workload (10 per cent).

Brits have an average of four hours’ worth of admin to complete – and a third of the nation confess the outstanding tasks cause them undue stress, research suggests

One in four of the 2,000 surveyed, conducted by the health solutions provider Simplyhealth, have experienced problems as a result, including 33 per cent with increased stress levels and 20 per cent experiencing worsened health and frustration from family members.

Katie Wadey, of Simplyhealth, said: ‘We are facing a number of challenges… it can feel overwhelming.’

The survey of 2,000 British adults found that almost half (46 per cent) wish that they had been taught how to complete common admin tasks better at school.

Three-quarters (74 per cent) of those surveyed said they don’t have someone in their life to ask for advice on how to complete particularly difficult admin tasks.

While four in ten (39 per cent) admitted they wished there was more assistance available to achieve their admin tasks, and two-fifths (40 per cent) said they’re more likely to complete an admin task if they can do it online or via an app.

Ms Wadey added: “It is worrying to see that one in four have experienced problems, such as stress and worsening health, as a result of putting off admin tasks.

‘Our findings show that for a fifth (20 per cent) of Brits, the amount of admin they are required to do has increased in the past year.’