Work, finances and the cost-of-living crisis are the biggest causes of stress in the lives of modern British men, according to new national research.
As the cost of living crisis rumbles on, the impact on mental health is undeniable, with 46% of British men admitting that work is their biggest cause of stress, closely followed by finances and the current economic climate (44%). Just 15% of men surveyed could actually say they are not stressed at all in everyday life, while almost half (46%) say they struggle to destress, according to the study by the UK’s leading bathing and washing brand, Baylis & Harding.
Pete Wicks, who has recently shared his own journey with anxiety: “It can often be a struggle for men to really take the time to de-stress and focus completely on their own mental health – something which I myself have been guilty of.
“Teaming up with Baylis & Harding, we’re hopefully encouraging more men to actively take that time to reflect and focus on themselves, their mind and their body. For me self-care doesn’t have to be a big thing, it can be something small like taking a shower, a walk or even spending time with family and friends that can really help me reset my mindset.”
A good self-care routine is key to improving general health and wellbeing, with more than two thirds of men (68%) agreeing, the poll of 1,000 UK men reveals. For the modern man, self-care routines don’t need to complicate, with around a third (37%) of men revealing that a simple shower offers the best way for them to de-stress.
Almost half (47%) of men even add cold water showers to their routine, reaping the physical and mental benefits of cold-water therapy, which can stimulate the release of endorphins which can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. The research also revealed that young men aged 18 to 24 are more stressed than those in any other age group (80%).
But this generation is also leading the way for taking charge of their mental health by undertaking the longest self-care routine, at over 40 minutes a day compared to just 23 minutes for 55 to 64 year olds.
Baylis & Harding has teamed up with television presenter & podcaster, Sam Thompson and animal rights advocate and podcaster, Pete Wicks to encourage men to incorporate showers and cold showers into their self-care routines, via the launch of its new Goodness Men’s collection.
The range of natural shower gels has been developed to provide the perfect self-care moments for men, helping them use shower time to reconnect with their wellbeing.
Radio presenter Sam Thompson, who has spoken publicly about mental health struggles, said: “This study proves what I already know to be true, that prioritising mental health is the most important form of self-care for more than two thirds of men.
“It’s really important that men take the time to do proper self-care and look after their mental wellbeing to release the stress of day-to-day life, which is why I’m so happy to be working with Baylis & Harding on its new Goodness Men’s range as they are highlighting the simple act of a cold shower can benefit the body and mind alongside the product’s natural ingredients
“Personally, I love a sit-down shower to wind down or a cold shower to get me focused and spa diffusers, especially peppermint, while reading and playing with my cats also does the trick.”
The top five causes of stress for British men polled are:
- Work (46%)
- Finances and the cost of living (44%)
- Family (30%)
- Health (28%)
- Not having alone time (22%)
