Four out of five adults feel stressed during a typical week, with one in 10 stressed all the time, according to a survey of 4000 people by insurance company AXA.
An ‘always on’ workplace culture has suggested to make matters worse, with people taking calls and checking emails outside of work.
The survey found that pressure at work, financial worries such as salary prospects, and concerns about health (and the waistline) dominated the causes of people’s stress, with men suffering more than women.
Many of those questioned said they watch TV, listen to music, read a book, exercise or drink alcohol to help combat stress.
‘It is encouraging to see a third of people exercising as a way to combat their stress, which is obviously a much healthier way of unwinding than smoking or drinking’, said Dr Mark Winwood of AXA.
‘Physical activity is proven to have a positive impact on mental health, even if it is just a walk around the block instead of a trip to the gym.’
