Brits will be exhausted by the time Christmas arrives as they squeeze in socialising, shopping and work, study finds

More than 23 million Brits will be completely and utterly exhausted by the time Christmas arrives, according to research.

A study found 35 per cent of adults admit they are worn out by December 25, citing the month as the most tiring of the year.

Almost a quarter blamed being knackered on the amount of socialising they try to squeeze in during December, while others put it down to the amount of shopping, planning and entertaining they have to do.

More than four in 10 also get run down working extra hours in December, while nearly 35 per cent said the planning involved took a toll on their energy levels.

And 51 per cent of adults admitted they’d much rather a nice quiet festive season, as it would leave them feeling healthier, fitter and less fatigued.

Bounce Back Drinks polled 2,000 UK adults on why they are left feeling worn out, to launch its post-social replenishment drink.

A spokesperson said: “It will come as no surprise December is considered one of the most challenging months of the year.

“The whirlwind of planning, family events, juggling bursting diaries and trying to keep families happy and create a perfect ‘Instagrammable’ Christmas  - plus the usual festive socialising during the build- up, will always leave people feeling shattered the next day.

“Our research also found UK adults are predicting this year will be even more frantic than usual due to people trying to make up for last year‘s lockdown.

"So it’s going to be more important than ever for the nation to practice a little self-care, watch what they eat and drink and get quality sleep. 

"And try not to get too hectic.”  

The study of the nation's festive habits showed 45 per cent agreed or strongly agreed December was the most tiring month of the year.

Less than a fifth said they were left feeling happy by the end of Christmas, while a measly 3.2 per cent said it made them energised.

Almost 60 per cent said they were “secretly happy” about the lack of Christmas socialising last year due to lockdown, but nearly four in 10 fear this December will be more “frantic” than it was in pre-pandemic years.

Despite the nationwide predictions of burnout, almost a quarter (23.2 per cent) admitted they started their Christmas celebrations in November – with 2.5 per cent kicking theirs off even earlier.

Unhealthy eating hit 37 per cent of respondents hardest during Christmas, with a fifth rating “having to socialise too much” as the factor that most affected them in December.

While 18 per cent stressed about organising diaries and balancing plans, while the “effort it takes to talk to someone new” played on the minds of more than 12 per cent.

Nearly 15 per cent were most impacted by the volume of social occasions – with almost six per cent planning to go on hen or stag dos this year, and seven per cent booked to attend weddings.

Unfortunately, six in 10 confessed their nutrition and diet went downhill in December, with most saying they let their health slide as they saw Christmas as a “time to indulge”.

Almost 50 per cent blamed their festive indulgence on soaring numbers of treats filling shop shelves, while a third said there weren’t enough healthy food options on offer at parties.

But nearly 13 per cent said they allowed themselves bad food as they planned to detox in the New Year.

Nearly a fifth said they went to sleep between midnight and 1am after a festive do, while almost 10 per cent didn’t get their heads down until 2–3am – with four per cent staying up later.

On a usual day, 32 per cent said they slept between 10 and 11pm, according to the OnePoll figures.

Vandana Vijay, biochemist who is working with added: “Our survey shows just how tiring the festive build up can be – which is why we are launching our post-social replenishment drinks now. 

“It’s important to do what you can to alleviate the stresses of an active social life at this time of year, so that you can ‘take back tomorrow’ - and enjoy the holiday season!”