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Understanding mild, day-to-day anxiety and how to help navigate it

With Stress Awareness Month (April) shining a light on mental wellbeing, it’s a good time to recognise how everyday pressures can affect how we feel.

Our latest research shows that mild, day-to-day anxiety is having a real impact on people across the UK.[i]

And it’s more common than many people realise. Over half (54%) of UK adults experience mild anxiety at least once a week, while 1 in 10 (11%) say they feel it multiple times a day. [ii]


What is day-to-day anxiety?

We define day-to-day anxiety as the ongoing mild to moderate feelings of unease or tension, often triggered by everyday pressures such as work, home life, finances or responsibilities – sometimes without one clear cause.

Even when symptoms are described as ‘mild’, the impact can build over time and affect overall wellbeing.
 

How anxiety can affect life

Our findings highlight how anxiety can affect different areas of daily life:

  • Sleep and tiredness: 44% say they feel unable to switch off at night due to worry, while half (50%) say poor sleep makes them feel irritable or short-tempered the next day
  • Focus and efficiency: Two in five (40%) struggle to concentrate on routine tasks and 39% feel their productivity is affected due to anxiety
  • Confidence: Over a third (37%) say that anxiety makes them feel less confident at work or in social situations, and 7% say their career progression and professional development has been impacted by day-to-day anxiety
  • Relationships and enjoyment: 39% say anxiety affects their ability to enjoy hobbies, social activities or time with loved ones


What causes anxiety?

For many people, anxiety isn’t caused by a single event – it’s often the result of ongoing pressures building up over time.

Our survey results show that:

  • Sleep and anxiety are closely linked – feeling anxious can make it harder to switch off at night, while poor sleep may make everyday stress feel more difficult to manage
  • Everyday responsibilities, including work and home life, are a common source of stress
  • Life stage factors such as parenting, career development and financial concerns can contribute
  • Managing expectations – both personal and from others – can add to feelings of pressure

This combination of factors can make mild anxiety harder to recognise – and easier to dismiss or ‘push through’.


What can people do?

While many people feel they are coping, our research suggests this isn’t always the case.

Almost two in five (39%) say they ignore their symptoms and attempt to carry on, while others turn to short-term coping strategies such as avoidance or increased alcohol intake.

Recognising how you feel is an important first step and there are simple, supportive ways to navigate anxiety and reduce its impact over time:

  • Fix evenings first - Sleep disruption is one of the biggest red flags. Create a proper wind-down routine – dim lights, avoid scrolling in bed, reduce caffeine after lunchtime and give your brain a signal that the day is done.
  • Move, even when you don’t feel like it - Gentle movement such as walking, stretching or yoga can help discharge nervous energy. It doesn’t have to be a full workout – consistency matters more than intensity.
  • Stop suffering in silence - Talking to a friend, partner or family member can reduce the sense of isolation anxiety creates. If you can’t turn to a loved one, organisations such as Anxiety UK can also provide information and structured support. You can also seek support from a relevant healthcare professional such as your pharmacist or GP if symptoms persist or get worse.
  • Rethink ‘coping’ habits - Turning to alcohol to unwind or withdrawing from situations may offer short-term relief but can reinforce anxiety patterns. Small, healthier rituals – a bath, journalling, mindful breathing – are far more supportive long-term.

For additional support you may also benefit from the use of a traditional herbal remedy such as Kalms Lavender. Each one-a-day capsule contains lavender oil. Traditionally used to ease symptoms of mild anxiety, lavender oil has a long-standing association with relaxation.

To learn more about the Kalms range, click here.

 

[i] Kalms Herbal Remedies. Day to Day Anxiety and Sleeplessness Survey. February 2026. 2,000 nationally representative respondents.

[ii]  Office for National Statistics, Population estimates for the UK, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (2024): https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates

Posted by Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper
2nd April 2026

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