How cars - among other things - can help us destress

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Money, work, family, and health. According to a recent research study commissioned by eBay, these are the areas of life that cause us the most stress. It's kind of hard to argue with that conclusion. Luckily, there is a solution to the stresses of daily life. Lots of solutions, actually. The same study has also revealed a host of simple everyday tasks can quickly and effectively reduce stress and anxiety.

On average, Brits have 10 moments of relaxation a day, with one in three claiming they are having fewer stress-free moments now compared to three years ago. With everything that's going on around us it's no surprise that half of us wish we had more periods of calm in our lives.

Relax in the everyday

Before you get all downhearted about the state of the world, it's worth noting that a staggering 91% agreed that you can find relaxation in everyday tasks, with more than half (56%) saying that those mundane little jobs can actually be more relaxing than meditation or yoga. We've all got things we can be getting on with so there's hope for us yet.

With such simple solutions as making a cup of tea, watering the plants, folding the washing, or even just watching the washing machine spin, making the top 30 stress-busting activities there should be something on the list to keep you sane after a busy day.

Echoing the classic 70s book “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” the study found that 49% agreed that tactile tasks with an end product are one of the most satisfying of all. It's a good excuse to take up crocheting (14%) or put that flatpack furniture together (6%). Failing that, jobs that don't require much thought are apparently the best for finding a moment of calm so it's no surprise that doing the ironing (23%), going to the supermarket (20%) and even sorting out the recycling (13%) make an appearance on the list.

If you're feeling lazy there's also having a bath (36%) or tucking into a slice of cake and a cup of tea (35%) to fall back on.

Even though 58% agree that technology has made it harder to relax, watching TV is still the nation's favourite way to switch off, along with going for a walk, watching a film, or reading a book or magazine.

Psychologist Dr Lisa Dorn of Cranfield University, commented on the findings: “It is interesting to see from this research, how many of the simplest, seemingly mundane tasks in life, are actually calming and therapeutic. From a psychological perspective, people get into a zone, or mental state, in which they don't need to think and are fully immersed in a feeling of energised focus and enjoyment. It's as if action and consciousness melt together as people concentrate on the task rather than their worries and concerns.

And just because we're in the business of vehicle leasing it's probably a good idea to point out just how many people manage to find peace in their car.

Two thirds of respondents highlighted the car as a big stress and anxiety busting area.

Not only is working on a car a big source of relaxation, but also helps owners reduce costs, with a third (31%) spending up to two hours tinkering on their car. The survey also found giving the car a polish and cleaning it out, performing routine maintenance, and changing the headlights are the most relaxing vehicle related tasks. One in four even go a step further and admit spending more time tinkering with their car or motorbike than on any other hobbies and tasks.

Maybe leasing a car from us is the easiest way to a stress-free life after all.

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