Half of Britons feel overwhelmed by daily tasks, poll finds

The average adult in Britain is managing six distinct tasks, reminders, and responsibilities in their mind at any given moment. This mental load leads to 51 per cent of people frequently feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things they need to keep track of each day. For many, the pressure begins shortly after waking, with individuals spending an average of only nine minutes in peace before their thoughts turn to the day's obligations.

Generational Differences in Mental Strain

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Younger generations, specifically Gen Z and Millennials, report experiencing the most significant strain. Fifty-seven per cent of these age groups stated they are struggling with 'too many tabs syndrome', a feeling akin to having numerous applications open simultaneously in their minds. This contrasts sharply with only 16 per cent of Baby Boomers reporting a similar experience.

Key Contributors to Mental Load

Work-related pressures are a substantial factor, with 26 per cent of mental bandwidth being consumed by work deadlines and 20 per cent by meetings. Beyond professional obligations, personal responsibilities also contribute significantly. Forty-two per cent of those polled cited endless appointment lists, 51 per cent mentioned household chores, and 48 per cent pointed to financial management as sources of stress.

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Annika Bizon, representing Samsung UK and Ireland, commented on the findings, stating, “People are carrying never-ending to-do lists in their heads, from work deadlines and family plans to messages, reminders, and the small tasks they are trying not to forget. Our research shows that for many, the challenge is not just having a long list, but keeping track of it all as the day moves on.”

Strategies for Managing Tasks

In response to this mental burden, 44 per cent of individuals rely on calendar reminders to help manage their commitments. Other common strategies include handwriting to-do lists, employed by 41 per cent of respondents, and using phone notes, a method used by 35 per cent. Setting alarms for important tasks is also prevalent, with 27 per cent utilising this approach. Some individuals also resort to sending messages to themselves (22 per cent) or keeping key information in easily visible locations (21 per cent).

Despite the stress, these organisational methods do provide some benefit. For 33 per cent of people, reminders offer a sense of peace of mind, while 39 per cent feel more in control of their lives as a result.

Samsung's Response

The research was commissioned by Samsung to coincide with the launch of its Galaxy S26 FE. The company aims to alleviate some of the daily mental administration through practical Galaxy AI tools, such as personalised daily summaries via Now Brief and timely prompts delivered by Now Nudge.