As we navigate life, stress can come in many different forms and it’s important to know how to manage it
Stress is an inevitable part of life – we know this and yet, it still has the power to have a massive impact on our day-to-day lives.
No one is immune and depending on your situation, it can come in a variety of forms – work, childcare, finances, unemployment, getting on the property ladder, caring for elderly family members, or coping with an illness or chronic condition.
More than a third of people in Ireland (35%) admit to always or often feeling stressed in their daily lives, with women bearing a heavier burden (40%) than men (26%), according to new data.
The survey, by Hastings Hotels, found work responsibilities to be the leading cause and showed that the highest levels of stress were reported by individuals aged 45-54.
It was completed by more than 1,400 people from the Republic and Northern Ireland earlier this year and also found that almost twice as many women than men in this age group felt strained.
Other significant stressors include money worries (31%), health concerns (26%), and family-related pressures (21%). A further 14% identified caregiving responsibilities and work colleagues as contributing factors.
The good news
However, the survey also showed small steps we can take to significantly improve our mental health and ability to deal with stress.
It may not come as a huge surprise but it’s worth noting that proper sleep (79%), exercise (69%), and spending time in nature (66%) were the top activities identified by respondents as being beneficial to mental wellbeing.
More than half recognised that time away from work is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, while connecting with family and friends plays a crucial role for almost two thirds of people.
On the flip side, a quarter said time away from family was beneficial for their mental health!
Give yourself a break
Professional advice to take a break away as a stress management strategy was given to almost a third of female respondents and an overwhelming majority strongly agreed that a break away enhanced their wellbeing, contributed positively to their mood, and helped them feel more relaxed.
A total of 92% of participants reported that a hotel stay has a better impact on their mental wellbeing compared to other forms of accommodation, such as an Airbnb.
Interestingly, almost everyone agreed that frequent, mini escapes were more effective in managing stress than waiting for an annual holiday. And while the majority choose their partner for these escapes, solo travel is the preferred choice for one in ten people.
Friendly, accommodating staff, quiet and peaceful surroundings and spa and wellness facilities also factored highly in the criteria required for a rejuvenating getaway.
So, if someone asks you what you want for your birthday or Christmas, it might be a good idea to request a couple of hotel vouchers instead of your usual perfume or beauty set. Once you know where you’re going, you can start planning your mini breaks for the coming year – your future self will thank you for it!
