A new study has found that in the UK, adults reach ‘boiling point’ an average of 3 times per week – a total of 156 times a year. In fact, the average adult will then spend 91 hours a year trying to cool off, taking 35 minutes at a time to reduce the pressure.
The findings come as part of CABA’s ‘Drop the pressure’ campaign, which aims to highlight and tackle levels of stress, primarily among millennial accountants.
Today (Tuesday 12 November) CABA has installed a pop-up venting booth, called ‘The Venting Machine’, in Jubilee Place at Canary Wharf. Pop down have a vent and to learn how to reduce your pressure.
Richard Jenkins, psychologist and spokesperson for CABA, said: ‘Almost all of us feel some kind of stress or pressure every day, but the fact that the British public are reaching boiling point 3 times a week is a cause for concern and a sign of serious stress. The symptoms of building pressure and long-lasting stress have a significant impact on a person’s wellbeing and over a long period can lead to burn out. Recognising when you are reaching ‘boiling point’ is key to making positive changes to managing your mental wellbeing.’
Jobs and workload came out as the biggest causes of a build-up of pressure in modern life, followed by finances and being too self-critical.
But it’s not just the bigger problems causing Brits worry. When pressure gets too much, many can be tipped over the edge by tiny inconveniences, such as technology not working properly, having to keep repeating yourself to someone and delays on public transport. Of course, not getting enough sleep can also come with additional stress and pressure.
Despite the negative associations with stress, nearly 1 in 3 Brits think that they work more productively when they have lots on and are working to demanding deadlines. Of those polled, half felt like they deal with stress in a ‘healthy’ way, through things like counting to 10, going for a walk, or forcing a smile.
Brits’ top 10 ways to release pressure:
- Going for a walk
- Laughing with someone
- Listening to music
- Having a cup of tea or coffee
- Taking some time alone
- Venting to someone
- Taking a bath
- Doing some exercise such as going for a run or playing sport
- Reading a book
- Playing with / spending time with a friend
Jenkins added: ‘Almost half of those surveyed felt like the reason they couldn’t cope was due to having so much on their mind. This is an issue facing all of society as we all have to juggle more demands on our time.
‘However, it’s important to remember that success is not dependent on how busy you are. Individuals need to recognise building pressure and high levels of stress and know how to recognise their personal limit and when to take action. The first step is to talk to someone before it gets too much, be it to a colleague, friend or family member or a trusted professional.’
The findings come as part of CABA’s Drop the Pressure campaign, which aims to highlight and tackle levels of stress, primarily among millennial accountants. Yesterday (12 November 2019) CABA installed a pop-up venting booth, called ‘The Venting Machine’, in Jubilee Place, Canary Wharf.
