By Rebecca Black, PA
More than a third of people in Ireland say they always or often feel stressed out in their daily lives, a survey has found.
The highest levels of stress are reported by individuals aged 45-54, with almost twice as many women as men in this age group feeling the strain.
Work responsibilities were found to be the leading cause, affecting close to half (47 per cent), followed by money worries (31 per cent), health concerns (26 per cent) and family pressures (21 per cent), according to the online survey by Hastings Hotels.
A further 14 per cent identified caregiving responsibilities and work colleagues as contributing factors.
More than 1,400 adults from the Republic and Northern Ireland completed the survey early last month.
Proper sleep (79 per cent), exercise (69 per cent), and spending time in nature (66 per cent) were the top activities identified by respondents as being beneficial to mental wellbeing.
More than half recognised that time away from work is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, while connecting with family and friends played a crucial role for six in 10.
On the flip side, one in four said time away from family helped their mental health.
A quarter of respondents have been given professional advice to take a break as a stress management strategy, with more women (29 per cent) than men (17 per cent) receiving this recommendation.
An overwhelming majority strongly agreed that time away enhanced their wellbeing, contributed positively to their mood and helped them feel more relaxed.
A total of 92 per cent of participants reported that a hotel stay had a better impact on their mental wellbeing compared with other forms of accommodation, such as an Airbnb.
While the majority chose their partner for these escapes, solo travel was a favoured option for one in 10 people.
Claire Crummey, group wellbeing co-ordinator at Hastings Hotels, said: “The survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing.
“We encourage individuals across Ireland to prioritise their mental health by taking regular, short breaks and experiencing the benefits first hand.
“A hotel stay may be the key to not just relaxation, but enhancing mood, productivity and overall mental resilience.”
