Although the festive season brings with it much cheer and joy, for some it can be more stressful than for others.
For Daniel Parry it’s “organising all the pressies”.
But day to day for Leighton Davenportit’s “working three jobs”, and in the case of Daniel Duckworth it’s “not enough days off (work).”
The importance of acknowledging our stress levels has been highlighted in a recent study, which also brings to the fore the woes we bear overall.
It has shown that more than half (59 per cent) of those living in rural areas like the Port Macquarie-Hastings region say financial issues are a major cause of stress for them.
The study conducted by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) revealed 60 per cent of respondents in regional areas report eating to manage stress and close to a third (32 per cent) of respondents in regional areas use shopping as a means of managing stress.
And in a worrying trend, 40 per cent of Australians are reporting the use of alcohol in an effort to manage their stress, although less than half of those who use alcohol (19 per cent) report it to be effective in managing stress.
The same applies for using food to soothe stress, with 64 per cent turning to food but only 25 per cent finding it effective.
The study also suggests young Australian adults are less carefree than often supposed, with those aged 18-25 reporting higher levels of stress and lower levels of wellbeing than any other age group.
The survey of over 1500 people also found a staggering 1 in 8 people reported severe stress, with 30 per cent of all those surveyed identifying the workplace as the cause of their stress.
The report – Stress and Well-being in Australia in 2011: A state of the nation survey – suggests the challenge of finding and keeping work may be contributing to the high levels of stress in younger Australians, with those under 25 reporting the lowest levels of job satisfaction and work-life balance.
Professor Lyn Littlefield, Executive Director of the APS, said stress is something we all experience from time to time.
“What’s concerning here is the level of stress we’re seeing, particularly in young Australians, as they navigate the transition to adulthood, and with that relationships, work and education,” she said.
When it comes to reaching out for help, 15 per cent of people sought help from a mental health professional to manage their stress while 25 per cent of those surveyed relied on help from a family member or friend.
Professor Littlefield said research shows that excessive stress can affect your work, home life, relationships and physical health.
“If your stress levels are stopping you leading a happy and healthy lifestyle, you can take action,” she said.
“Small adjustments to the way you think or behave can often have a big impact.
“If needed, you can seek help from an expert psychologist, who can help you manage the effect of stress on you and your family.”
In a separate survey, one in three women admit to becoming more of a “stress-head’ in the lead up to a holiday.
These were the findings of an online survey of more than 6500 Australian women are revealed in the lastminute.com.au in the 2011 Female Travel and Lifestyle Report.
