Cambridge among the UK’s least stressed cities, AXA research reveals

According to the research, which forms part of the AXA’s Stress Index, 39% are concerned about the wellbeing of their family and friends, Cambridge locals are also concerned with their personal health (38%) and their future financial prospects, such as saving for a pension (36%). Stress, at its most severe, can cause serious burnout and can be debilitating, with people feeling powerless and finding it difficult to manage their problems.

Across the UK, health concerns are dominated by worries regarding weight, with 68% feeling stressed about their own weight and 39% worry about the weight of their partners, while concerns about salary prospects (72%) and worries about paying household bills (60%) are the major financial sources of stress for Brits.

In terms of regional differences, Cardiff emerges as the UK’s most stressed city, with 86% of residents suggesting they feel stressed at least some of the time during a typical week and 13% admitting to feeling constantly stressed, followed by Belfast and Sheffield (both 86% and 7%).

Almost half of Cambridge locals (48%) watch TV to help relieve stress, while 43% read a book and 41% listen to music. A further 18% drink alcohol to help combat stress, while 9% smoke. Meanwhile, just under a third (32%) exercise.

To relieve their stress, the majority of Brits (51%) watch TV, while 42% listen to music and 39% read a book. A further 28% drink alcohol to help combat stress, while more than one in ten (11%) smoke. A third of Brits exercise to relieve stress.

“These findings illustrate the worrying scale of the UK’s stress epidemic, occurring both in the workplace and at home, impacting people up and down the country. As well as work and finances, health seems to be a concern for a large number of Brits. People are not only worried about their own wellbeing but also the general health of their loved ones.

“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. 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.”

“My hope is that those who took the time to answer our survey are busy, challenged and sometimes feel harassed, and are experiencing the impact of excessive pressure, rather than actually being stressed. I would urge anyone who is feeling unable to cope to speak to a specialist to ease the burden.”
Dr Mark Winwood, Director of Psychological Services. AXA PPP

Most stressed cities

Least stressed cities

Tips for beating stress

• Rest, sleep and eat well
  Stress can be combatted by making sure you’re awake and alert. Sleep well, take the time to unwind and make sure you eat properly and healthily.
• Exercise is vital
  Exercise helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins to your brain, and also helps you sleep. Even if you can’t get to the gym, a walk around the block will help.
• Put your devices away before bedtime
  The inability to switch off from your mobiles, tablets and laptops can seriously affect your sleep. Putting your devices away before you go to bed can help cut your stress levels.
• Watching TV is good in the right dosesMany people find watching TV relaxing and use it as a way to combat stress. However, too much TV can mess with your body clock, especially if you are watching late into the evening, so moderation is key.
• Seek help from a specialist
  There is a difference between being stressed and being busy. Stress can cause serious burn out and can be debilitating. If you are struggling to function, speak to a specialist.

Methodology
Research for the study was carried out by One Poll. 4000 UK adults were surveyed between 28th July and 8th August 2017