Experts reveal the most stressful time of day... and how YOU can ease the pressure
Preparing for the work commute and getting children to school makes morning the most stressful time of day, a new survey of 2,000 adults has discovered.
Researchers asked thousands of adults when they feel most stressed during the day, with 51 percent of respondents confessing that they are 'often overwhelmed' from the very moment that they get out of bed.
But the average time of day where most people felt stressed was 8:15am.
Most adults said that they tend to lose 20 minutes and 28 seconds to unexpected complications and mishaps during that time, amid an already hectic time of day when the heat is on to be punctual.
But the researchers also offered some hope, in the form of five tips to help cut stress from early morning routines, including dropping tech gadget distractions and packing lunches the night before.
The new survey of 2,000 adults pinpointed 8:15am as the most stressful time of day - with 51 percent of respondents confessing that they are 'often overwhelmed' from the very moment they get out of bed, whether preparing for the work commute or getting children to school
Over half of the adults surveyed, 51 percent, felt there is 'never' enough time in the day to meet their commitments and get everything done.
At least 35 percent of respondents stated they feel some form of stress early in the first part of the day, but a troubling majority simply felt that sentiment at all times.
And nearly half, 47 percent, said they're busier now than ever before in their lives.
The findings add worrying new ramifications to recent studies which have warned that being stressed, nervous, or exhausted in middle age may increase a person's risk of dementia.
The bewilderment that accompanied respondent's despair over their stress was notable for over a third of those survey: 35 percent claimed that they 'don't know' how to find the time to do things that might make them happy.
And roughly 37 percent told the surveyors that they'd 'forgotten' how to carve out time for their own wants.
READ MORE: I've got your baa-ck! Sheep bond over stressful experiences like being sheared, study says
Researchers found the animals preferred the company of other sheep who went through the stressful experience with them.
AdvertisementBut it was mornings where these stresses were most pronounced, the pollsters at OnePoll on commission from UK yogurt brand Onken found.
Respondents listed losing their house keys, oversleeping, figuring out what to wear, and hustling their equally stressed children off to school as high among their usual morning worries.
Parents among those polled agreed that the unpredictability of kids' emotions frequently risked descending even a well-planned morning routine into chaos.
Fortunately, the pollsters were able to offer some measure of hope in the form of five sure-fire ways to help mornings go a bit more smoothly.
Preparing the night before, whether getting clothes together or packing a lunch, they said, could help reduce the early morning scramble.
Creating an easier and consistent morning routine — that everyone in the household can stick to — also helps, they advised, as it allows you the option to coast on muscle memory during those days when you wake up particularly tired.
For parents, they recommend getting up at least 30 minutes before their children need to wake up, carving out some free time to get oneself prepped for the day.
They also advocate for delegating more chores and responsibilities to one's children, focusing on helpful tasks that are age-appropriate and, if possible, reimagined as a fun or at least engaging game.
For both parents and kids, the pollsters recommend trying to limit technology use in the morning, given how attention-grabbing social media, TV shows, video games and other digital media can steal priceless minutes needed to get ready for the day.
Kitchen timers, a phone alarm or even just a traditional alarm clock, they said, can help mark the time in the morning, when time is of the essence.
Related articles
Rajasthan Royals launch ANOTHER bid to invest in cash
Rajasthan Royals have launched another bid to buy into Yorkshire with club facing going bust unless2024-05-22Olympic champion Gabby Douglas' comeback takes another important step at the U.S. Classic
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Olympic gymnastics champion Gabby Douglas’ comeback following an eight-year l2024-05-22New Hampshire Senate tables bill inspired by state hospital shooting
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A bipartisan bill drafted in the response to the fatal shooting of a New Hampsh2024-05-22Chinese lawmakers to deliberate various law drafts at upcoming session
At an upcoming legislative session, China's national lawmakers will deliberate on law drafts reg2024-05-22Trump says he is open to restrictions on contraception before backing away from the statement
Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was open to supporting regulations on contraception2024-05-22Buffalo Bills promote Matt Bazirgan to director of college scouting in series of scouting moves
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills promoted Matt Bazirgan to the role of director of colleg2024-05-22
atest comment