Look what gets put to one side in tough times

New research reveals that seven out of 10 British adults are struggling to devote enough time to their life priorities.

The findings of the third annual Scottish Widows Priorities Of Life Index reveal life has got worse for many, and people have even less time available to spend on their health, wealth and happiness than in previous years.

The current climate is taking its toll on the nation’s happiness, as overall the number one life priority most likely to suffer is having fun, with 45 per cent of people missing out on enjoying themselves as much as they’d like.

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The second life priority most likely to be put to one side is keeping fit, with 44 per cent of adults complaining that they are unable to keep fit as frequently as they would like. In relation to keeping fit, nearly four in ten (39 per cent) are concerned about overlooking their health in general.

The year on year index also confirms that people’s home life continues to take a backseat, with 14.2 million people feeling like they are neglecting it – an increase of 1.5 million since last year.

Nearly a quarter of Brits (23 per cent) are unhappy with the amount of time they can commit to their partners; an increase of three per cent since last year.

With many suffering from pay freezes and increased living costs, it is no surprise that financial priorities continue to suffer.

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Those stating their financial security priority level as below ideal sits at 38 per cent, also a three per cent increase since last year.

A third blamed their lack of financial security on their job not currently paying them enough, and a further fifth believe they just have too much debt to be financially secure.

Worries concerning financial security, coupled with a nation that’s increasingly time-poor may also help explain the increase in below ideal levels of priority for holidays, which sits at 40 per cent, up three per cent since last year.

Faced with the ongoing challenge to make ends meet, it’s not just home life and finances that people wished they had more time to focus on, as nearly one fifth of people wish they had extra time just for themselves, up five per cent.