A new study has revealed a strikingly familiar national trait – guilt. According to research commissioned by Marella Cruises, eight in ten (80%) Brits admit they feel guilty about everyday actions they probably shouldn’t, highlighting what researchers are calling a uniquely “Very British Guilt” phenomenon.
From taking time for themselves to enjoying a simple takeaway, the findings suggest that guilt is deeply embedded in UK culture – appearing on average eight times a month per person.
Even moments of rest are affected, with 39% saying they feel bad simply for having “me time”.
Other common guilt triggers include:
- Calling in sick while genuinely unwell (29%)
- Leaving the bed unmade (28%)
- Eating chips (27%)
- Throwing away small amounts of food (27%)
- Staying in pyjamas past 10am (25%)
- Not calling parents often enough (25%)
Relaxation Crisis: Brits Struggle to Switch Off Even on Holiday
The research highlights a wider issue around rest and wellbeing, with 69% of Brits admitting they struggle to properly switch off at all, averaging just 67 minutes of relaxation per week.
Alarmingly, 86% say they feel guilty even when sitting down to relax, particularly if there are chores or tasks waiting in the background.
This anxiety doesn’t stop at home. More than half (61%) admit they find it difficult to fully relax even while on holiday.
Common holiday stress triggers include:
- Getting to the airport on time (51%)
- Fear of getting lost (34%)
- Packing correctly (33%)
- Organising transfers (29%)
- Finding good places to eat (27%)
As a result, it takes the average Brit around three days of a week-long holiday just to fully unwind.
Introducing the PJkini: The World’s First “Cabin-to-Pool-to-Restaurant” Outfit
To tackle the nation’s inability to relax, Marella Cruises has unveiled an unusual new innovation: the PJkini – a hybrid outfit designed to move effortlessly from pyjamas to swimwear to evening wear.
The concept is designed to eliminate “decision fatigue” and remove unnecessary holiday stress, encouraging guests to embrace a more carefree approach to downtime.
As part of the launch, the brand is promoting guilt-free relaxation across its all-inclusive cruise experiences.
You can explore more about their cruise offerings via the official site: Marella Cruises Official Website
A sister brand within the wider TUI Group, Marella Cruises offers fully packaged cruise holidays including flights, accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment and transfers.
Learn more about the wider travel group here:TUI Official Website
Denise van Outen Returns as Chief Chill-Out Officer
Actress and presenter Denise van Outen has returned as Marella Cruises’ Chief Chill-Out Officer, championing a more relaxed attitude towards holidays and downtime.
She said the PJkini represents a “lazy hack” for travellers who struggle to fully switch off:
“I’ve always loved holidays and everything they’re meant to be about – switching off, having fun and properly relaxing…The PJkini is the ultimate lazy hack for anyone who wants to maximise relaxation from the moment their holiday begins.”
Van Outen added that holiday mode should begin immediately, not days into a trip, encouraging travellers to “ditch the guilt and enjoy doing absolutely nothing”.
A Nation That Needs to “Chill Out”
Beyond personal habits, the study suggests a wider cultural issue, with 35% of respondents believing Brits as a nation simply need to relax more.
A huge 80% also believe that feeling guilty is a distinctly British trait – now dubbed “Very British Guilt”.
Top guilt-inducing moments include:
- Enjoying “me time” (39%)
- Cancelling plans with friends (31%)
- Avoiding neighbour chit-chat (31%)
- Not replying to messages for days (30%)
- Being genuinely ill and calling in sick (29%)
- Leaving the bed unmade (28%)
- Eating chips (27%)
Even small pleasures like having two biscuits instead of one (22%) or ordering a takeaway instead of cooking (20%) make the list.
All-Inclusive Travel Designed for True Relaxation
Marella Cruises continues to position itself as a stress-free holiday option, offering all-inclusive cruise packages that cover every aspect of travel – from flights and accommodation to dining, entertainment and excursions.
With regional departures from over 20 UK airports and cruise-and-stay options available, the brand aims to remove friction from the entire holiday experience.
Is the UK Ready to Stop Feeling Guilty?
With millions of Brits admitting they struggle to relax – even when doing nothing – the PJkini launch taps into a broader cultural moment around rest, burnout and wellbeing.
Whether or not the hybrid outfit becomes a holiday staple, the message is clear: sometimes, doing less really is the point of going away.
