Brits' 30 most common ‘everyday habits' including writing to-do lists, morning walks and scrolling social media

The Sun

23-05-2025

Brits are embracing little tweaks to elevate their daily routines to help them break free from "autopilot".
A poll of 5,000 adults found 45 per cent are making small changes to their everyday habits, such as putting music on, stretching, and taking time to properly savour a coffee break.
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Other adjustments include adding a morning walk to the start of the day, or taking time to "review" daily targets.
The shift towards more mindful living comes after 35 per cent admitted they are tired of the same mundane schedule day in, day out.
With taking vitamins, watering the plants, and stretching also making the list of new ways they are living life more fully.
The research was commissioned by Costa Coffee, which teamed up with psychologist Jo Hemmings to explore the power of having rituals.
She said: 'Incorporating mindful rituals into your day can reset the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing.
'Routines give us structure and stability, which are essential for our mental wellbeing — but doing the same thing every day without variation can make life feel monotonous.
'Tiny tweaks can help inject energy and intention into the everyday.
'It keeps the brain engaged rather than switching to autopilot.'
Most of the nation's key daily rituals take place in the morning (44 per cent) compared to only nine per cent who indulge in the evening.
And as many as 60 per cent admitted they feel 'out of sync' if they don't stick to their usual routines.
While 74 per cent believe these small daily habits can have a long-term impact on someone's wellbeing.
And 45 per cent reckon even the smallest disruption to their usual routine can throw off their entire day.
According to the OnePoll.com figures, 73 per cent of coffee drinkers who have daily rituals consider it an essential part of their daily schedule.
And 38 per cent even believe they're more able to have deeper and more meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee.
While 33 per cent usually pair theirs with breakfast, 23 per cent take the time to use it as a moment for mindfulness or relaxation.
It was also found 49 per cent enjoy a quiet moment to themselves with their coffee, while 32 per cent catch up with friends over one and 30 per cent read a book or newspaper while drinking it.
Gennaro Pelliccia, master of coffee at Costa Coffee, said: 'These findings show just how powerful everyday rituals can be — especially when it comes to coffee.
'For many, that daily cup isn't just a habit, it's a grounding moment of calm, connection, and reflection.
'Whether it's a quiet pause before the day begins or a conversation shared with a friend, we're proud to be part of the small moments that bring people closer to themselves and those around them.'
TOP 30 WAYS BRITS ELEVATE THEIR ROUTINES
The top 30 ways for Brits to elevate their routines and boost their days have been revealed.
The list has a wide variety of activities, with some people preferring to take it easy while others want to kick-start their day with a to-do list.
Ranked from most popular to least popular, the list includes:
Listen to music
Tidy the house
Take vitamins
Get up to date on the news
Savour a coffee break
Scroll through social media
Spend time with pets
Sit in the sun
Open all the windows to let fresh air in
Morning walks
Read a chapter of a book
Drink a pint of water
Do a skincare routine
Water the plants
Afternoon walks
Evening walks
Write a daily to-do list
Listen to a podcast
Catch up on the previous night's messages from friends/family
Do stretches
Meet a friend for a coffee
Send a message to family/friends wishing them a good day
Call/text your mum
Review goals for the day
Meditate
Light a candle or use essential oils
Intentional screen breaks
Daily affirmations
Morning mindfulness
Practice yoga