This Sunday, the nation will be able to seize the opportunity of a bonus hour as the clocks go back, giving them an extra 60 minutes to do something productive or purposeful.
Rather than doomscrolling or snoozing, Smart Energy GB has teamed up with Joanna Page to encourage Brits to use this ‘Power Hour’ to get as much done as they can.
New research commissioned by Smart Energy GB reveals that there’s no shortage of tasks Brits would like to tick off their list, with an average of five jobs sitting on the perpetual to-do lists of UK adults and some tasks even lingering for more than seven months.
Yet despite daylight savings brings shorter days, 29% of Brits are set to wake up happier knowing that they have gained an extra hour while over a third (36%) agree that the added time will encourage them to do the things they wouldn’t otherwise get around to.
It also turns out that while 61% of Brits admit that getting practical tasks done brings a greater sense of achievement, they are the ones they most actively avoid. In fact, over half (51%) of the tasks sitting on the nation’s checklists are household jobs.
The household jobs which keep on giving
When it comes to household jobs, there are plenty of energy-related tasks that Brits find satisfying to tick off. Bleeding radiators (33%), defrosting the freezer (28%), booking a boiler service (25%) and replacing a light fitting or bulb with an LED one (24%) all feature among the energy to-dos that give people a genuine sense of achievement.
Getting a smart meter installed could also be one to add to the list for the upcoming Power Hour. Almost half (48%) of owners say they were surprised by how quick and easy the process was, while 38% wish they’d done it sooner. And the benefits go beyond getting the job done, with 59% saying having a smart meter has encouraged their household to be more energy efficient and 39% saying it has saved them money.
A matter of time
It seems Brits aren’t lacking in motivation, but we’re officially a time poor nation as one in five (21%) cite not having enough time is the main reason they don’t get around to ticking things off their to-do lists. A further 48% wish they had an extra hour every day.
But when we get things done, the productivity pay-off is clear with a huge 92% agreeing that finally completing a job they have been putting off is satisfying.
However, opinions are divided on how best to spend the Power Hour, as rather than being productive and getting as much done as possible (24%), 36% are choosing to indulge in taking time to relax or doing something they enjoy. Some intend to catch up and connect with friends and family (17%), do some online shopping (15%) and have a relaxing soak in the bath (14%) - using the extra 60 minutes to reset and recharge.
Actress and presenter Joanna Page says: “Life is hectic and, as a self-confessed procrastinator, I’m guilty of putting things off. I’m terrible at paperwork, as my head is usually buried in a script, but give me a cupboard to declutter or a bag of pre-loved bits and bobs to take to the charity shop and consider it job done.”
“As a mother of four, it also feels like there’s always another round of laundry that needs doing, but it’s getting it out of the basket and actually putting it away that’s the challenge! So, I’m putting my Power Hour to work and challenging myself to tackle those jobs I’ve been avoiding, while making smarter choices at home too.”
Victoria Bacon, Director at Smart Energy GB adds, “Like many household and life admin jobs, home energy to-dos can fall down the priority list, but we’re encouraging people to use this extra hour to change that. There are many simple tasks that can be done within the hour to make your home more energy efficient and these can deliver significant savings over time** . Requesting a smart meter from your energy supplier and having it installed is a quick and easy process. Even better, as we head into winter, it could help you save money on your bills or enable you to sign up for an energy reward scheme.”
Not sure where to start? Joanna Page and Smart Energy GB have shared their tips featuring simple ways to make the most of those bonus 60 minutes:
FIVE WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR OWN POWER HOUR
Set the timer and get to work
A long list can feel daunting, so set the timer for an hour and see how much you can get done. You might surprise yourself! Usually, the things we think will take a long time can be completed in no time at all.
Start with the job you’ve been avoiding the most
The hardest part is often getting started. For me, it’s cleaning the floors, so I get that out the way first and everything else feels easier after that.
Make it more enjoyable
Put on your favourite playlist, listen to an audiobook, pop on a facemask while you tackle that task that’s been on your to do list for ages. The sense of satisfaction after will be even greater.
Small steps can mean big wins
You don’t need to complete a full task within your Power Hour either. In some cases it could be as simple as taking the first step for something you’ve been putting off, such as contacting your energy supplier to request a smart meter installation. It’s much easier once you’ve got the ball rolling and has the potential to help save money in the long run.
Don’t forget to treat yourself
A power hour doesn’t have to mean an hour of household jobs - do something that makes you feel good too. It’s a bonus hour you get once a year, so why not take a soak in the tub or watch your favourite TV show.
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