What would Americans do with an extra 4 hours in the day?

The average American admits they’d need an extra four hours in the day to finish off their to-do list.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that 60% don’t believe there are enough hours in the day to get everything done.

If given extra time, respondents’ priorities would shift. One in five (20%) would focus more on projects or tasks they enjoy and 28% would tackle more, larger projects.

While most (34%) would knock out some chores, others feel they’d need the time for some extra sleep (20%).

Some would even open new doors, like going back to school (21%) or adopting a pet (19%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Dave’s Killer Bread, the survey showed that the average person has about five things on their to-do list on any given day — but half (48%) of those items are likely to go unfinished. 

Many respondents avoid certain chores because they don’t enjoy them (39%), but running out of time (39%) was an equally common reason.

Things like housework (38%), outdoor work (37%) and laundry (31%) tend to be the first chores pushed aside.

Respondents’ energy levels are depleting well before their heads hit the pillow — most respondents (16%) admit they feel the least energetic between 3 and 4 p.m.

In fact, housework (33%), jobs (28%) and financial responsibilities (27%) drain respondents of their energy the most. 

With most of these tasks being part of their everyday lives, respondents are feeling burnt out an average of three days per week.

Most respondents (36%) battle burnout with some extra sleep or by spending time in nature (31%).

“Americans have spoken: They are tired, and they have too much on their plate,” said Watson, Brand Manager at Dave’s Killer Bread. “It only makes sense they’d nix chores from their to-do list. This isn’t a sign of failure, it’s a sign you may need an extra boost to get you through your day.”

Almost two-thirds (65%) of respondents say they can tell how their day is going to go based on the first hour of being awake. 

Typically, respondents are pouring a cup of coffee (27%), eating breakfast (24%) or getting some exercise (21%) first thing in the morning.

Almost half (45%) feel more energetic when they start their day off with a meal or snack.

And combatting fatigue isn’t just part of their morning routine — respondents increase their caffeine intake (21%), take a nap (13%) or eat a snack (12%) when they need more energy throughout the day.

“This study shows how daily tasks – like emptying the dishwasher and going to work – impact our energy levels. It’s important to stay fueled throughout the day to combat feelings of burnout,” said Watson. “Starting your day off with a meal, snack, or quick workout can make all the difference.” 

WHAT DRAINS AMERICANS OF THEIR ENERGY THE MOST?

• Cleaning (housework/chores) - 33%
• Preparing for events (holiday, visiting family, etc.) - 28%
• My job/work - 28%
• Financial responsibilities - 27%
• Climate change and other environmental concerns - 26%
• Taking care of my family - 24%
• Taking care of myself - 21%
• Traveling - 18%
• Politics - 17%

Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Dave’s Killer Bread between Dec. 13 and Dec. 21, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).