An anti-social epidemic has seen over three-quarters of Britons prefer personal time as over half of the UK is happy to cancel plans with family and friends.
Nearly three in four worn-out Britons intend to keep January low-key, with many prepared to tell fibs and ditch social commitments to safeguard their downtime.
Research conducted by Compare the Market reveals that 79 per cent of people across the nation are choosing 'JOMO' – the joy of missing out – over festive socialising.
The survey of 2,000 adults found that eight in 10 actually hope their plans fall through so they can remain at home, whilst 55 per cent have already backed out on gatherings with loved ones to secure precious alone time.
On average, Britons admit to telling roughly two-and-a-half white lies monthly to escape social obligations.
Some 42 per cent are even contemplating using sick leave in January purely for rest following the Christmas rush.
Almost six in 10 respondents believe the opening month of the year ought to become a socially sanctioned "No Season", during which prioritising oneself is entirely acceptable.
Younger generations appear most enthusiastic about this concept, with 77 per cent of Gen Z admitting they would abandon arrangements to carve out solitary moments.
Almost six in 10 respondents believe the opening month of the year ought to become a socially sanctioned 'No Season', during which prioritising oneself is entirely acceptable
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Millennials demonstrate similar attitudes, as 74 per cent confess they too would drop commitments for personal space.
Baby boomers, however, take a markedly different view as 69 per cent insist they would never cancel on others simply to enjoy time alone.
The findings suggest January has effectively transformed into Britain's unofficial hibernation period, with 74 per cent of those surveyed stating they plan to focus on themselves rather than maintaining social connections with family and friends.
The pursuit of solitude drives some to remarkable measures, with 56 per cent acknowledging they sit in their vehicles outside their homes simply to snatch moments of peace, spending an average of 19 minutes doing so.
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Reading is the second most popular activity for those seeking to reclaim personal hours
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More than a fifth linger in their cars for up to half an hour, whilst 13 per cent remain there even longer.
Inside the home, the bathroom has emerged as the preferred sanctuary for undisturbed quiet.
Nearly half of respondents identify the loo as their go-to refuge, with a third admitting they tackle administrative tasks whilst hiding there.
Television viewing has also become a solitary pursuit, with 41 per cent preferring to watch alone and 36 per cent having purchased a second set specifically to avoid compromising on their viewing choices.
When Britons do reclaim their personal hours, watching films ranks as the most popular activity at 69 per cent, followed by reading at 41 per cent, indulging in lengthy baths at 28 per cent, and catching up on sleep through naps at 24 per cent.
Social media scrolling occupies 24 per cent of people's downtime, whilst 18 per cent simply sit silently on the sofa, blocking out the world entirely.
Life administration remains the primary obstacle to January contentment, with 34 per cent citing tasks like comparing household bills as eating into their relaxation time.
Charlie Evans, Money Expert at Compare the Market, said: "It's clear that Britons are exhausted after Christmas and want nothing more than simple, quiet, unapologetic time to themselves.
"After weeks of saying 'yes' to everything, people want the freedom to say 'no' without guilt and enjoy proper 'me-time'."
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