Polling Shows Need To Rethink How We De-Stress: Priory Group

We all need to find a way to de-stress after a busy day, but new polling by the Priory Group – which has a Wellbeing Centre in Dubai – suggests most of us are not doing so in the most effective way. The survey found that by far the most popular way to de-stress is to sit down in front of the TV. It is striking that far fewer people were taking part in physical exercise, despite that being much better for their health and mental wellbeing.

The survey of 1,000 people found that more than two-thirds of those questioned (67%) are most likely to watch television to de-stress after a busy day – far more than the next most popular answer, which is to read a book (40%). Worryingly, neither going for a jog nor taking part in an exercise class scored more than 16%.

Tanya Dharamshi, Clinical Director and Counselling Psychologist at Priory Wellbeing Centre, Dubai, says: “Watching television goes hand in hand with inactivity, yet it’s widely proven that physical exercise is highly beneficial on so many levels. Not only can it improve our mood, it can also raise energy levels and boost our confidence. It’s concerning that despite widespread educational awareness across the world, many people are still failing to make the connection between exercise and positive mental health.”

One of the more positive findings of the polling was that many of us appreciate the importance of remaining connected with each other. More than a quarter (27%) of respondents said that they called or messaged a friend for a chat more than three times a week. It terms of mental wellbeing, the old phrase ‘it’s good to talk’ is exactly right. Tanya explains: “Human beings are social creatures and naturally seek out companionship and interaction with others as part of our wellbeing. It’s extremely reassuring that so many people realise the benefits of a chat – without this interaction, our vulnerability to mental health problems such as stress, anxiety and depression could be increased.”

One of the most encouraging things to come out of the measures brought in to combat Covid 19 has been that people have made an effort to stay in touch when they have been physically prevented from visiting friends. Tanya said; “Digital communication has really come into its own as a result of the pandemic and has enabled family, friends and work colleagues to stay connected, no matter where they are in the world. I suspect the ease and simplicity with which this can be used will continue even when lockdown restrictions ease further.”

While many sports clubs, gyms and interest groups adapted their offering during lockdown, and offered many of their classes online, Tanya believes this could have a profound and positive effect for the future as we emerge into the new ‘normal’: “With more and more people looking to continue working from home for the foreseeable future, exercising and relaxing with others ‘virtually’ will become increasingly important. Instead of developing bad habits, technology can provide a variety of options to enhance previous exercise regimes or encourage the start of new ones.

“Whether it’s joining an online spinning class or participating in ‘active relaxation’ via a home-based group class such as yoga, we all have to find our own personal strategy to manage stress levels and improve our mental wellbeing. Lockdown and the increase of ever-evolving technology has provided us with an insight into what is possible, no matter our age or situation, and all from the comfort of our own home.”