New research for National Lottery Open Week shows one in five make plans knowing they’ll cancel – but want to say ‘yes’ to more fun

Work deadlines, school runs and the humdrum of life admin are holding the nation back from what they actually want to do in their free time.

Nine in 10 (92%) UK adults admit having bailed on social plans, with over a fifth (22%) making plans knowing they’ll cancel them nearer the time, as they prioritise chores, work overtime or simply run out of energy after getting through their to-do list. What’s more, one in 10 (11%) say they nearly always end up cancelling plans.

The research1, which surveyed 2,000 UK adults, was commissioned to celebrate National Lottery Open Week (15 – 23 March), which sees hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues offer free or discounted entry and special offers as a thank you to players for raising over £30 million a week for good causes.

This year, National Lottery Open Week is encouraging people to say yes to life’s simple pleasures and escape the everyday mundane; offering hundreds of fun and affordable experiences across the UK including free entry and other offers at selected National Trust, English Heritage, RSPB, Historic Royal Palaces and National Trust for Scotland venues.

People just want to say ‘yes’

Nearly one in four (22%) say there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to fit in both chores and social events, while one in four (24%) feel so drained by work and life admin, it leaves no energy left for socialising.

That said, one in three (36%) want to say ‘yes’ more to the things that bring them joy – and nearly two in five (38%) believe social plans would be the key to this, resulting in more fun in their life.

However, guilt and overwhelm are holding people back; when people do say ‘yes’, they feel guilty for choosing to do things they want over tasks and to dos they should be doing (20%). While a quarter (25%) feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff they have to do each week.

Ellie Taylor, Comedian and National Lottery Open Week ambassador said: “As a mum of two young kids, I know full well how manic life can get. The constant juggle trying to get through the never-ending to-do list can be a lot at the best of times, and it’s too easy to say no to things. But it’s important to find time for the things we want to do as much as the things we have to do."

“I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to say yes to new experiences that have come my way over the years. I couldn’t have foreseen everything I’ve learned, the memories I’ve made and the positive impact saying yes has had on my life. National Lottery Open Week is a great opportunity to say ‘yes’ and carve out time - whether it’s soaking in nature at some amazing wildlife hotspots or reliving sporting moments at some of the most iconic venues across the country or getting down to a gallery or museum.”

The struggle with the juggle

When people do prioritise their social life, their to-do lists still find a way to creep up on them. On average people have two social plans a week – but 23% admitted they’ll likely cancel some of those. In comparison, the typical adult has seven things on their weekly to-do list, including food shopping (78%), meal prepping (73%), clothes washing (71%), sorting out their recycling and bins (62%).

Aside from life admin, reasons for backtracking on plans were simply not being in the mood (39%), having to work overtime (18%), and one in 10 experience childcare issues as people struggle to juggle responsibilities and fun.

Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England and Chair of the National Lottery Forum said: "National Lottery Open Week is a chance to say yes to the joyful things in life - to get outside and explore the UK’s rich history, stunning landscapes and vibrant culture through free and low-cost days out. We’re thrilled to bring back National Lottery Open Week for another year, it’s our way of thanking National Lottery players who raise £30 million every week for Good Causes, supporting vital projects in arts, sports, heritage, and communities nationwide.”