A recent survey in the United Kingdom revealed that cozying up with a hot cup of tea is one of the most beloved ways for Brits to cope with stress. Other popular methods include listening to music, unwinding in front of the TV, or simply enjoying a few minutes of “quiet time.” However, the top choice among respondents was a good old-fashioned walk. Some of us even opt for more extreme stress relief techniques, such as cleaning the house or screaming into a pillow.
Researchers claim that 90 percent of people experience stress for various reasons every day, typically for about 41 minutes. As a result, we feel the need to relax 14 times a week, with the most frequent occurrences happening on Monday afternoons.
Three-quarters of those surveyed believe that hot beverages—be it tea, coffee, or hot chocolate—help them unwind, while 23% of respondents identified breakfast tea as the most soothing option. Beyond their calming properties, 37% of participants noted that these warm drinks also break up their day, and another 37% said they provide a much-needed energy boost.
The study, which included 2,000 adults, also highlighted some common sources of frustration. Among the most frequently mentioned stressors were heavy workloads (40%), financial issues (39%), and broken belongings (32%).
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/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?