Most Brits only perform at their ‘very best’ for a third of the day, study claims

'Modern life can be pretty hectic. The research shows this can negatively impact the way we feel'

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On average, people in the UK feel they only perform at their “very best” for one third of every day, a study has claimed.

A poll of 2,000 adults suggested that millions of us struggle to fire on all cylinders throughout the entirety of the working day.

A poor night’s sleep emerged as the top reason, followed by a lack of fresh air and hunger.

Dehydration also ranked highly for causing below-par performance, and nearly a third who took part believe their exhausting commute is to blame for feeling less than their best.

As a result, seven in 10 said they feel they do not make the most of their time.

“From the morning wake-up call and work commute to evening exercise sessions, dinner preparations and finally lights out, modern life can be pretty hectic,” said Mike Buckland from Highland Spring, which commissioned the study.

“The research shows this can negatively impact how we feel.

“But the appetite for change is there, with 63 percent of adults wanting to make small changes to their everyday habits and make the most of the day.”

A third of respondents thought drinking more water would help to lift their energy levels, nearly half wanted to get more sleep and 40 percent were keen to get more exercise.

A quarter of those surveyed think more time with friends and family could help to rejuvenate them.

Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert said: “We all know the demands of our daily routine can take their toll.

“The research is further proof that it’s more important than ever to have a number of positive lifestyle habits that can help us stay our best.”

“These habits don’t need to be expensive or time consuming.

‘’They can be as simple as moving away from your desk at lunchtime by taking a walk for some fresh air and practising mindful eating.

“Small, positive habits such as these all add up to help us stay at our best and get us where we want to go.”

SWNS