As the post Bank Holiday blues set in and the stresses of back-to-school September firmly on the horizon, new research from award winning pet insurance brand ManyPets, has today revealed the go-to ways Brits are relieving their stresses – with almost half the nation (40 per cent) turning to petting a dog or cat to instantly unwind.

The survey of 2,000 revealed that enjoying a good old-fashioned cup of tea with a biscuit (30 percent) and taking time out to read a book (29 percent) are among other top tools to help Brits de-stress. Bingeing on a Netflix marathon (28 per cent), going for a run (27 percent), getting into bed with clean sheets (25 percent) and ordering a take-away instead of cooking (23 percent) also made the list of instant comforts.

BRITS TOP 10 MOST STRESS BUSTING ACTIVITIES:

1. Cuddling your pet – 40 percent

2. A cup of tea and a biscuit – 30 percent

3. Reading a book – 29 percent

4. Indulging in a Netflix marathon – 28 percent

5. Going for a run – 27 percent

6. Enjoying a bubble bath – 27 percent

7. Getting into bed with clean sheets – 25 percent

8. A walk in the park – 24 percent

9. Ordering a takeaway instead of cooking – 23 percent

10. Taking your dog for a walk – 22 percent

On average, Brits admitted to feeling stressed as many as four times a day, with finances (71 per cent) work (44 percent), family disputes (30 percent) and relationship worries (24 percent) cited among the most common ‘triggers’. According to the data, 84 percent said that despite the ups and downs of life Brits are a resilient bunch, with 78 percent saying they have a “go to” way to relieve their anxiety.

With cuddling and stroking an animal coming in as the top stress busting activity, 66 percent of pet owners confirmed their furry friend helps them to relax and unwind, with many turning to their dog or cat on average 17 times a week for comfort. When asked why, 41 percent of owners felt they have a calming aura, while 44 percent said that pets don’t pass judgement, and almost half (48 percent) like how they are always up for affection.

Of those who don’t own a pet, over half (57 percent) said they wish they had one for these reasons, with 64 percent suggesting that their overall mental wellbeing would be instantly improved. A huge 92 percent believe the bond between humans and pets is unique, with many confirming their pet can even fill human roles such as a best friend (63 percent), therapist (42 percent) and personal trainer (34 percent).

To help ease the end-of-summer stress and provide a moment of joy, ManyPets has partnered with Pets As Therapy to unveil its pop-up ‘Petting Booth’ in London’s Kings Cross – a pop-up full of adorable therapy dogs, designed to help busy passers-by relax and unwind by petting a furry friend. The Petting Booth will be taking place at Battle Bridge Place, Kings Cross (London) today only (10.30am – 18.30pm).

Oke Eleazu, CEO, ManyPets UK said: “As Brits navigate a stressful period, many of us are looking for moments of happiness to help us unwind and de-stress. Research and science show the huge benefits that pets can bring to our lives – from being our best friends and therapists, to our spirit animals and personal trainers.

As our data shows, 64 percent of Brits would love to pet a pup to improve their mental wellbeing, so we’re thrilled to be partnering with our good friends at Pets As Therapy to open the doors to our pop-up Petting Booth. We hope the Petting Booth provides a bit of light relief from everyday stresses for city workers, commuters and tourists – so head on down for some PLC (Pet Loving Care) and get petting!