Brits on edge of meltdown over 'little irritations' – from traffic jams to slow walkers - Daily Star

Brits on edge of meltdown over 'little irritations' – from traffic jams to slow walkersMillions of Brits say enduring mounting “micro-stresses” such as traffic jams and bin bags breaking is

pushing them towards meltdowns and even losing TV remote cans set us offCommentsNewsAaron Tinney14:16, 03 Jun 2025Life's irritations certainly are getting us down(Image: Getty Images) We're

slowly being driven mad by the build-up of life’s little irritations. Millions of Brits say enduring mounting “micro-stresses” such as traffic jams and bin bags breaking is pushing them

towards meltdowns.

Losing keys, slow-walkers, dirty homes, carpet spills and missing mobile phones also topped a list of annoyances leaving the nation on the brink of madness – and heart attacks.

‌ A study from calming drinks brand TRIP also showed our brains are getting fried by nuisances including dropping toothpaste on pyjamas, forgetting to charge phones, losing TV remotes, burnt

toast and politician’s lies.

‌ More dramatically, the study into Britons’ greatest stress triggers also revealed we suffer irritation-linked blood pressure spikes for up to two hours a day.

Psychologist Dr Becky Spelman warned about the results: “What this research confirms is something we’ve long observed in mental health work – repeated minor stressors can lead to the same

physiological and emotional exhaustion as a single major stressor.

“They interfere with our focus, elevate cortisol levels, and can even alter how we respond to bigger challenges. “In a fast-paced society, giving yourself permission to slow down – even for

a few moments – can be the most important form of self-care.”

Article continues below The shrink also warned our brains are “not wired for constant low-level friction”. She went on: “When the small stresses pile up with no opportunity to decompress,

they create an emotional static that affects concentration, patience, and even physical health.

“That’s why I always recommend people incorporate small, daily rituals that restore calm – because managing stress isn’t just about the big things, it’s about staying steady in the little

ones too.”

A total of 89% of Brits admitted to feeling “frazzled” and “worn out” by the constant accumulation of life’s irks.

‌ Nearly a third of those polled said their stress levels rise when their house is a tip, while 30% tense up when they spill something on their carpet.

Having to re-wash plates after they’ve been in the dishwasher was also high on the league table of stress triggers.

But 79% of respondents insisted they do their best to try not to sweat the small stuff.

‌ TRIP co-founder Olivia Ferdi said: “It’s clear from the research that the smaller, more frequent stresses of daily life can really build up and grind us down, sometimes having more of an

impact than the larger life events.” Along with high blood pressure, Brits said stress can leave them feeling physically ill with symptoms including headaches, insomnia, panic attacks and

heart flutters.

Top 10 micro stresses Being stuck in traffic – 53%

Bin bag breaking as you take it out – 42%

‌ Losing keys – 33%

Someone walking slowly in front of you – 33%

Dirty homes – 32%

‌ Carpet spillage – 30%

Misplacing mobile – 28% Wi-Fi buffering during a show – 27%

Forgetting to charge phone – 27%

Article continues below Losing TV remote control – 26%