Exclusive research from wellbeing brand feeling. reveals the average Brit spends over £390 a month on convenience because they’re simply too tired to cope.
Britons are paying a new kind of tax, and it’s not from the government. It’s the “Tired Tax” – the hidden cost of being too drained to cook, walk, or return that ASOS parcel.
A new nationally representative survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by feeling. in November 2025, found that fatigue is fuelling everyday overspending, with small daily decisions, from ordering takeaways to missing gym classes — costing the average Brit £395 a month, or £4,740 a year.
The poll also revealed that 72% of people admit to leaving a return parcel by the door and then forgetting about it entirely – wasting both money and motivation.
According to feeling. co-founder Kiera Lawlor, these costs are part of a bigger picture: burnout and chronic tiredness are reshaping how we live, spend, and even rest.
“Tiredness has become one of the most expensive emotions,” says Lawlor. “We’re not just losing energy, we’re losing money to convenience, caffeine, and comfort. When our minds are overstimulated, spending feels like relief.”
The average Brit’s monthly “Tired Tax” includes:
| Expense | Reason | Average Monthly Cost |
| Caffeine fixes (coffee, energy drinks, Diet Coke) | To push through fatigue | £85 |
| Takeaways and food delivery | Too tired to cook | £60 |
| Uber or taxi rides | Too drained to walk or get the train | £50 |
| Missed gym classes or ClassPass fines | Couldn’t face the session | £25 |
| Unused gym memberships | Motivation drop | £30 |
| Unreturned ASOS parcels | “I’ll post it later…” never happens | £75 |
| Impulse beauty or wellness spends | Quick pick-me-up | £40 |
| Missed non-refundable plans or bookings | Too exhausted to go | £30 |
| Total ‘Tired Tax’ | £395/month (£4,740 per year) |
Methodology:
Online poll of 2,000 UK adults conducted on behalf of feeling. in November 2025. Respondents were asked to estimate their monthly spending across common “fatigue-related” behaviours such as takeaway orders, transport, caffeine, and unused subscriptions. The average monthly total was calculated to represent the national figure.
“We talk about burnout as an emotional cost, but it’s also a financial one,” adds Kiera Lawlor, co-founder of feeling. “Being constantly ‘too tired’ leads to convenience spending, missed experiences, and wasted memberships. The Tired Tax is real, and we’re all paying it.”
feelings. quick tips to reduce your ‘Tired Tax’ instantly
· Schedule energy, not tasks: Match demanding work with your natural energy peaks, usually mid-morning, to avoid caffeine spirals.
· Plan comfort in advance: Batch-cook, prep easy meals, and book restful plans before you’re tired, not when you’re already drained.
· Audit your autopilot spends: Search your inbox for “Uber” or “Deliveroo” – most people are shocked by how often they hit order.
· Redefine rest: Scrolling isn’t rest; it’s stimulation. Try five minutes of quiet or fresh air between tasks.
· Reward rest, not rush: Celebrate saying no. Protecting your energy is still productive.
