Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:04 am
MORE than two million Londoners find Christmas a stressful event, according to new figures.
The research, released by TalktoaCounsellor.co.uk, revealed that just under 2.3 million Londoners find the celebration causes them high levels of stress.
The main reason was the financial cost, the figures showed.
Causing almost as much concern was shopping, with a third of Londoners feeling that this was the most stressful element.
And the pressures of seeing family over the festive season ranked as the third most stressful part of Christmas.
Julia Bellerby, from TalktoaCounsellor.co.uk, said: "Our research shows that Christmas can be extremely stressful for millions of adults across the UK and it is important to recognise how stress can affect us. We must remember that alongside the mental pressures, there are also physical effects of stress, such as tension headaches, irritability and anger.
"The better we deal with the effects the less likely we are to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. It's important to recognise the signs of stress and to keep in the back of your mind a few techniques that can help.
"Give yourself spending limits, try not to leave everything to the last minute and try to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises."
More than half the people surveyed however reported their biggest comfort as they struggle through Christmas is the knowledge that it won't last that long.
Source: Newsquest
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The research, released by TalktoaCounsellor.co.uk, revealed that just under 2.3 million Londoners find the celebration causes them high levels of stress.
The main reason was the financial cost, the figures showed.
Causing almost as much concern was shopping, with a third of Londoners feeling that this was the most stressful element.
And the pressures of seeing family over the festive season ranked as the third most stressful part of Christmas.
Julia Bellerby, from TalktoaCounsellor.co.uk, said: "Our research shows that Christmas can be extremely stressful for millions of adults across the UK and it is important to recognise how stress can affect us. We must remember that alongside the mental pressures, there are also physical effects of stress, such as tension headaches, irritability and anger.
"The better we deal with the effects the less likely we are to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. It's important to recognise the signs of stress and to keep in the back of your mind a few techniques that can help.
"Give yourself spending limits, try not to leave everything to the last minute and try to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises."
More than half the people surveyed however reported their biggest comfort as they struggle through Christmas is the knowledge that it won't last that long.
Source: Newsquest
Please post any news stories about IVAs here:
http://www.iva.co.uk/forum/default.asp?CAT_ID=5