09 Mar 2012

The most stressed Australians

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A new report by the Australian Psychological Society (APS), finds that young Australians feel the pressure most severely. Rosie Brogan reports.

Stress relief & sleep support

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Aussies under the age of 25 are more stressed than any other any age group, reports the APS in its research Stress and Wellbeing in Australia in 2011.

Over 1500 people were surveyed, with 18-25 showing the highest levels of stress and the lowest levels of wellbeing.

“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,” says APS Executive Director, Professor Lyn Littlefield.

Of those questioned, 1 in 8 people reported severe stress, and 30 per cent of respondents said the workplace was their biggest cause of stress.

52 per cent said that financial issues caused them the most stress. Health and family issues were the next biggest stressors.

“Research shows that excessive stress can affect your work, home life, relationships and physical health,” said Littlefield. “If your stress levels are stopping you leading a happy and healthy lifestyle, you can take action. Small adjustments to the way you think and behave can often have a big impact.”

Worryingly, 40 per cent of respondents said they address stress problems by drinking alcohol. 19 per cent said that alcohol in fact did the trick: they deemed it an effective antidote to stress.

“The research shows that people eat or use alcohol as a way of easing the symptoms of stress, but this is ineffective,” said Littlefield.

Patrick Holford and Dr Hyla Cass, authors of Natural High, unsurprisingly, don’t suggest booze as a way of combating stress.

Instead, these are their top tips for a natural chill-out after work:

1. Have a ‘chill’ supplement that combines kava, valerian, hops and passionflower.
2. Consider an all-round multivitamin with good levels of B-group vitamins.
3. Run a bath with these relaxing oils: lavender, orange, majoram and/or chamomile.
4. Indulge in a massage.
5. Light your room with candles.
6. Have sex. What better way to get your mind off work?

References available upon request

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