Research forms part of a new report: 'A simpler Britain' commissioned by Ikano Bank and authored by The School of Life

• Nearly half (46%) of the UK public think their life is overcomplicated
• More than 2 in 3 Brits think life has become more complicated over the last decade

In the age of information overload and super connectivity, Brits are starting to realise that less could be more and are craving a simpler life. According to research published today, too much choice, too many possessions and an over reliance on technology are overcomplicating our lives to the detriment of our happiness.  

The report, commissioned by Ikano Bank, claims that more than two out of three people (71%) want fewer choices. Too many possessions weigh down nearly half of Brits (45%) and 2 out of 5 people (38%) would be tempted by a digital detox.

Complicated decisions are even affecting our health. 1 in 3 people (34%) are so worried about complicated life decisions they’re losing sleep over them. Complexity is also stopping us from making important life decisions. 1 in 5 of us (19%) are putting off planning for retirement and a quarter of 18-24 year olds are putting off looking for a job.

But there’s a silver lining…the study suggests that as we get older, and reach retirement age, life gets simpler and we’re all much happier as a result.

Alain de Botton, Philosopher and co-founder of The School of Life, comments,

“Simplicity is so satisfying because our lives are cluttered, and the experience of having too many options is a constant drag on us.  When we see simplicity, we know that we value it.  But we can find it difficult, even embarrassing, to be simple.  Simplicity is really an achievement – it follows from hard-won clarity about what really matters”

Dan Joy, Country Manager UK of Ikano Bank, says,