More than half of Brits feel some aspects of their own life are ‘out of control’. Many feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure that they should be able to keep up with personal finances, work life balance as well as their physical health. For a third of adults, the key reason for feeling this way is because they often feel distracted when trying to focus on something important, and ultimately end up not doing what they are supposed to.
The study was carried out by Smart Energy GB, who have joined forces with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to provide advice for regaining control in areas of your life you feel are ‘out of control’. While many underestimate darts as merely a ‘pub game’, fans of the sport understand it demands exceptional concentration, particularly in a room of rowdy spectators, highlighting the significance of the ability to block out any distractions.
Stephen Bunting, a former world darts champion, has shared insights into the techniques that fuelled his success, emphasising the need for a serene and systematic approach even amidst intense pressure.
“Whether I’m at the oche or preparing for a tournament, I know that feeling of being under pressure all too well, and it can get overwhelming,” Bunting confessed. “Over time, I’ve learned ways to deal with it, so I can keep calm and stay in control of my game.”
Bunting highlighted the role of regular habits saying: “One thing I do that helps me a lot is sticking to a daily routine. Creating healthy habits that work for me means I can make sure I’m consistent, perform at my best and stay in control.”
Dr Josie Perry, a renowned Sports Psychologist, reinforced the importance of mental preparedness in sports, providing insight into strategies for maintaining composure and peak performance in high-pressure situations. She Dr Perry emphasised the benefits of pausing and taking deep breaths before key moments that demand swift action or critical choice.
Furthermore, Dr Perry recommends her clients sort their worries into three categories: what you can control, can influence, and cannot control at all. This technique aims to enable proactive concentration on manageable factors. She said:”Identifying one important thing you can do that’s going to reduce pressure when you’re stressed, and focusing on completing that first, will help you get back in control.”
There is a silver lining, as 20% consider themselves ‘very organised’ regarding their everyday lives. However, the data suggests that two thirds of Brits are trying to take greater charge of their finances looking towards 2025, with 14% reporting they frequently feel overwhelmed by the mounting cost of living. Many Brits have chosen to install a smart meter, in effort an to regain some control.
To help reinforce these focused habits, Dr Josie recommends ‘habit stacking’. This involves introducing a new behaviour immediately after a routine task – this strategy can help successful training techniques become more ingrained.
