Gaby
For many Brits, a hot cup of tea is the go-to stress reliever, a recent survey found. Other popular methods include listening to music, unwinding in front of the TV, or enjoying a few minutes of quiet time. But the top choice among respondents was a good old-fashioned walk. Some people even turn to more extreme techniques, like cleaning the house or screaming into a pillow.
The survey found that 90 percent of people experience stress every day, typically for about 41 minutes. On average, respondents said they feel the need to relax 14 times a week, most often on Monday afternoons.
Three-quarters of those surveyed said hot beverages—whether tea, coffee, or hot chocolate—help them unwind, and 23 percent of respondents picked breakfast tea as the most soothing option. Beyond their calming effects, 37 percent of participants said warm drinks break up their day, and another 37 percent said the drinks give them a much-needed energy boost.
The study, which included 2,000 adults, also highlighted common sources of frustration. Among the most frequently mentioned stressors were heavy workloads (40 percent), financial issues (39 percent), and broken items (32 percent).
Tina Stallard from The Mindfulness Project, which offers stress reduction courses, commented, “We can use the time while the kettle is boiling to spend a moment alone with ourselves, refocusing our attention on what we might need to support our well-being.”
Here’s a list of the most popular stress relief methods shared by respondents during the survey:
- Go for a walk
- Listen to music
- Watch TV
- Find a quiet place or spend time alone
- Read a book
- Make a cup of tea
- Watch a movie
- Take a bath
- Clean the house
- Sit with a hot drink
- Put the kettle on
- Walk the dog
- Grab coffee with a friend
- Visit a pub
- Go for a run
- Plan a vacation
- Hit the gym
- Drive on a quiet road
- Meditate
- Bake a pie
- Write down your thoughts
- Exercise
- Do yoga
- Play with kids
- Scream into a pillow
What are your go-to stress relief options?
