December 22 is the most stressful day of the festive period, with stress reaching its pinnacle at approximately 12:25pm - according to a new poll. Almost two thirds of us find the festive season to be a stressful time of year with the most significant causes of stress being money, buying gifts for people, and hosting friends/family.
The study by KAYAK, the travel search engine, shows the three days leading up to the most stressful day are actually the most affordable days to travel before Christmas based on average prices. The average person expects to spend around £1079 over the festive period across buying gifts, entertaining, socialising, decorating and travelling to see friends and family - more than enough to fly to Marrakech or Paris for six nights.
University lecturer, Dr Jennifer Murphy said: “We know that financial stress, difficult family relationships, changes to daily routines, reduced physical activity and a poorer diet all have negative effects on our wellbeing. Whilst many report enjoying the traditional Christmas routine, the majority find at least some aspects of this stressful – and many respondents endorsed a desire to get away. Indeed, reviews of the literature suggest that vacations can reduce short-term stress and relate to greater perceived wellbeing."
