The Stress Of It - How The UK Measures Up

2 weeks ago 04th Nov 09:00

A new survey, the UK’s Stress-o-Meter commissioned by health and well-being brand HoMedics, has shown that over a fifth 22% of us admit to feeling stressed on a daily basis, with well over a third saying that they feel pressured several times a week 37%.

And with 50% of the student and early working population under the age of 18-24 claiming this, well above the national average, it is easy to hypothesise that the stresses and strains currently placed on young people, such as the burden of student loans and finding employment, are beginning to take their toll.

With nearly 2,000 people questioned nationwide (1962), the Stress-o-Meter survey reflects a cross-section of today’s society and demonstrates that men and women both feel the heat - although the female population is, unsurprisingly, more open about admitting to it. 

Two thirds of people (66%) say they are markedly more irritable when stressed, with over a third of women (37%) claiming to feel less confident in themselves and their ability to get things right all the time. 

43% of women crave a ‘quick fix’ such as sweets, chocolates or alcohol, while most men say it makes them simply feel exhausted (37%). 

Interestingly, while nearly half the women surveyed said that stress makes them tearful (48%), a substantial 12% of the male population admitted that it has the same affect on them, with no clear age differentiator.

Stresses caused by the family in general are felt most keenly by those in the over 55s bracket, with at least a sixth citing this as a major cause of stress (16%).  Given that grandparents face an increasing demand for childcare in light of their children juggling work and home life, this may well account for it.

Many people seek solace in some form of relaxation, whether it’s simply having a long bath (27%), going for a walk (32%) eating chocolate (27%) or having a glass of wine (29%).  But perhaps one of the most therapeutic anti-stress remedies is either unknown or ignored: a simple massage. 

The vast majority admit to feeling pain in their head (40%), neck, shoulders(39%) and in some cases, back (22%), when they are experiencing feelings of stress. But only 6% think about easing their discomfort directly via the massage route, despite the fact that there are very real physical and psychological advantages to having one.

But when asked to think about who might be their favourite masseur, even though offered the likes of Angelina, Brad, George or Pammy, most of us would like our loved one to do it for us - which just goes to show that when it comes to our most intimate moments, celebrity means less than we think.