Rest Isn’t Weak: Why UK Men Are Missing Out on Real Recovery

A new survey reveals that more than half of UK men feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and in need of a break. But despite craving rest, many are being held back by equating rest with laziness.

According to the research by luxury wellness brand Platinum Spas, 52 per cent of UK men report feeling burnt out, yet 50 per cent say they never get enough meaningful rest. Instead, many turn to quick fixes like binge-watching TV, doomscrolling, or comfort eating. All short-term habits that offer little long-term benefit.

‘Rest is absolutely vital for our mental health,’ explains Dr Gracie McLaven, clinical psychologist and founder of Brain Body Wealth. ‘It’s during these quiet moments that our brain is able to process thoughts, regulate emotions, and consolidate memories. Without rest, our minds stay in a constant state of overload, which can lead to increased stress, irritability, and difficulty coping.’

The Rest Gap

The study reveals there’s a growing divide between what men want when it comes to rest, and what they actually do.

While 39 per cent of UK men say they’d like to try saunas or hot tubs and 36 per cent are interested in spa treatments, massage or red light therapy, nearly 9 out of 10 admit that barriers like embarrassment, stigma or lack of routine are stopping them.

It turns out that TV is the most popular form of downtime, with 76 per cent of UK men turning to the screen to relax. But there’s a catch. Over a third of them are simultaneously on their phones while watching, which, Dr McLaven warns, leads to overstimulation rather than restoration.

‘It’s easy to criticise screen time, but I don’t think watching TV is inherently bad,’ says Dr McLaven. ‘The real issue lies in how we use it. When we mindfully choose a show and engage with it, it can be enjoyable and restorative. The problem is, that many of us now consume content passively, letting episodes roll on while simultaneously scrolling on our phones. This leaves us overstimulated, not rested. Instead of recharging, we’re draining our energy without realising it.’

Interestingly, the men surveyed identified walking in nature, taking slow mornings, and engaging in spa-like rituals as the forms of rest they found most effective.

‘It’s great to see that gentle walks are the nation’s second most common form of unwinding,’ adds Dr McLaven. ‘The rhythmic back and forth can help regulate our emotions, promote relaxation and aid in the processing of difficult experiences.’

The Masculinity Barrier

The study suggests that tension around allowing oneself to recharge reflects a deeper issue: the long-standing narrative that equates rest with laziness or weakness.

‘With 65 per cent of men wanting to build better long-term rest habits, a great place to start is by exploring your personal narrative around rest,’ Dr Mclaven advises. ‘Ask yourself: Do I associate rest with laziness? Do I worry about being judged for slowing down? These underlying beliefs can quietly sabotage our ability to truly switch off.’

Here are her top tips for better rest:

• Explore your beliefs: If rest makes you feel guilty, ask why. Challenge the story you’ve been told about what it means to stop.
• Be intentional: Choose rest with purpose. If TV helps you unwind, great, just avoid double-screening and be mindful.
• Try something new: Whether it’s a walk in nature, a cold plunge, or a slow bath, experimenting with new forms of rest can unlock better balance.
• Don’t save rest for the weekend: Real recovery happens in small moments throughout the week, not just on holidays.

Men don’t need to overhaul their routines to feel better. According to Dr McLaven: ‘As with most things in life, it’s less about quantity and more about quality. Just 15 minutes of intentional, high-quality rest can make a meaningful difference to our mood, focus, and emotional wellbeing.’

Men want rest. They need it. And increasingly, they’re willing to admit it. But to truly benefit, rest must be intentional, meaningful, and free of shame.