BEING too exhausted to cook, exercise or meet friends is costing us dearly.
The “tired tax” adds up to £390 a month, according to wellbeing brand Feeling.
That’s money we could be saving, investing or simply putting to better use.
Here is how to recognise if you are sleep walking your way through your spending and how to wake up to it.
TOO TIRED TO COOK: You trudge home from work exhausted. So you order a takeaway or buy a convenience meal.
That is a habit costing Brits around £60 a month.
READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS
Instead, batch cook at the weekend so you always have something tasty to hand.
You can also buy healthier quick meals, such as fresh pasta or pouches of grains and rice.
RUNNING OUT OF MONEY: If you are signed up to a gym membership or fitness class, the chances are you will skip sessions when you are sleepy.
So if you choose to snooze, you’ll lose — to the tune of around £30 a month.
Instead, gear your sessions to when you are feeling most alert.
Set yourself up with a class before work or fit in a run in your lunch break.
THE PRICE OF PICK-ME-UPS: Buying coffees, caffeine drinks and sweet treats for a burst of energy can add up to around £80 a month.
While these give a short-term boost, you will be left feeling more tired than before.
Cut down the number you buy, swap to decaffeinated or herbal drinks, and take your own tea bags to work to boost your health and your bank balance.
CAN’T BE BOTHERED BUDGET: When we are tired, bad habits creep in.
We might not bother turning up to events we have already paid for.
Or we may splash our cash on impulse buys or beauty treats to feel better.
Tackle this by planning free treats in advance — a soak in the bath or taking time out to read a good book.
Don’t make too many big plans with friends.
Scheduling one or two a week may be easier to keep to, and will help the budget.
- You can learn more about these issues at beginfeeling.com
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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