Why Are People Spending More Time In Bathrooms? New Study Reveals Surprising Reasons

Although bathing, washing and other basic needs are the bathroom’s principal purposes, many individuals are beginning to view this area as a haven at difficult times in life. You might be merely going to the toilet, fulfilling your daily skincare routine, having a crying session, performing karaoke with shampoo bottles, winning a pageant or just doing laundry in the bathroom. The fact is that you can be whatever you want to be in that space. Still, there’s one peculiar general factor that explains why more and more individuals are using bathrooms for extended lengths of time.

Villeroy & Boch, a bathroom manufacturer, decided to find out why. As it happens, more people—especially young adults—are turning to the loo for comfort these days. Data from more than 2,000 participants in the manufacturers’ research showed that 43% of respondents enjoyed isolating themselves for some peace and quiet, and 13% stated they did so to spend time apart from their partner.

According to the study, a typical British person uses the loo for an hour and fifty-four minutes a week, or nearly one day of work per month. Nonetheless, males outperform women in every age category, spending an average of two hours per week—or almost 20 minutes—on the restroom, as opposed to women’s one hour and forty-two minutes—or over 15 minutes—per day. Long trips to the toilet to relieve stress appear to have positive effects on mental health, even though some individuals may not even be aware that they are using the toilet as a kind of relaxation.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy member Georgina Sturmer, a counsellor, earlier provided an explanation of why many view the bathroom as a place of escape. Sturmer told Metro that everyone needs coping mechanisms for times when life gets too hectic and demanding. Additionally, the counsellor pointed out that taking a toilet break is always socially acceptable.

In addition, she suggested that you practise breathing techniques if you find it difficult to relax after using the loo. Sturmer went on to say that she strongly believes in the “five finger breathing exercise” as a technique for maintaining composure without calling attention to oneself. “Hold your hands out in front of you, and trace the index finger of one hand up and down each finger of the other hand. Breathe in as you trace upwards and breathe out as you trace downwards.”