**How the Traditional Game of Darts Is Inspiring Brits to Regain Control Amid Life’s Pressures**
In a climate where many across the UK feel as though life is spinning out of their grasp, a recent study has shed light on the magnitude of this struggle—revealing that over half of Brits admit to feeling overwhelmed by certain aspects of daily life. Whether it’s juggling family commitments, wrestling with work deadlines, or struggling to keep finances on track, the prevailing sentiment appears to be one of mounting pressure and, for many, a crisis of control.
The findings come from recent research conducted by Smart Energy GB, who found that the relentless demands of modern life have left many feeling bogged down. The difficulty of staying on top of to-do lists, making time for self-care, and achieving any sort of work-life balance resonates with people up and down the country. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this has led to a growing population who confess to having a growing backlog of unfinished business at work and at home.
Seeking to address this issue, Smart Energy GB has partnered with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in the hope of offering practical strategies for taking back control. The unlikely inspiration for their campaign? The world of professional darts—a sport which, despite its image as a humble pub pastime, actually demands extraordinary levels of focus, discipline, and self-possession.
Professional darts player Stephen Bunting, better known to fans as ‘The Bullet’, knows all too well the reality of performing under pressure. “Whether I’m at the oche or preparing for a tournament, I know that feeling of being under pressure all too well, and it can get overwhelming,” he shared. Stress, nerves, and the sense of being watched can rattle even the steeliest of competitors. Yet, Bunting has learned to overcome these challenges by cultivating a few key habits that help to restore his composure both on and off the board.
One core strategy Bunting swears by is sticking to a daily routine. “Creating healthy habits that work for me means I can make sure I’m consistent, perform at my best and stay in control,” he explains. This kind of regularity, he says, offers him a psychological anchor amid the unpredictability of tournaments and the ups and downs of everyday life.
Supporting this message, sports psychologist Dr Josie Perry has echoed the power of mental preparation. She recommends a pause—literally stopping to breathe—before jumping into a stressful action or big decision. More than just a sports technique, this mindful reset is one that can aid anyone feeling overwhelmed. Dr Perry additionally encourages her clients to sort worries into three categories: aspects they can control, areas they can influence, and matters beyond their reach. Focusing energy on what’s truly actionable, she argues, can make the challenge ahead seem less daunting.
The Smart Energy GB study also highlighted just how many people are trying to gain agency over their financial lives. Research shows that two-thirds of Brits are making a conscious effort to better manage their finances from 2025 onwards. Nevertheless, the report suggests that as many as one in ten admit to frequently feeling overwhelmed, particularly in light of the rising cost of living.
One action under people’s control, and increasingly popular, is the installation of smart meters. More than half of those who have adopted the new technology report that it has helped them better monitor and manage their energy usage, in turn bringing a fresh sense of control over household expenses.
Despite the widespread uncertainty, there is a glimmer of optimism: OnePoll.com’s findings reveal almost one in five say they feel “very organised” when it comes to their daily routines. For those aspiring to join their ranks, Dr Perry suggests the practice of ‘habit stacking.’ This approach involves tacking a new, positive behaviour onto an existing routine—such as doing a brief breathing exercise right after making the morning tea—making it easier to cement positive change over time.
As everyday life continues to present challenges, perhaps there’s a lesson to be learned beyond the oche. Whether you’re picking up darts or just picking up the pieces, the focus, discipline, and small moments of self-control honed in the game could prove useful tools for anyone wishing to reclaim a sense of order in a world that often feels chaotic.