Partner Article

Durham seeks to combat stress

One in three British workers aged 35-54 is stressed every day at work, according to research revealed to promote the UK’s Peace and Tranquillity Week. The survey found that one in three in this age group suffers from work-related stress every day, with 38.8% of people aged 35-44 feeling stressed daily.

The study, commissioned by County Durham Tourism Partnership, coincides with the launch of the UK’s first national week of events dedicated to the pursuit of peace and relaxation, taking place in Durham from September 8-14.

International author and champion of the global Slow Movement, Carl Honore, launched the week of events. He said: “Most people are racing through their lives instead of living them. The Slow philosophy is about seeking to do everything at the right speed, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.

“Durham is the perfect place to reconnect with your inner tortoise and invites us to savour the beauty of its outstanding natural landscapes, tranquil market towns and world renowned Cathedral city.”

Dinah Bennett, director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning at Durham University, said: “Work-related stress impacts upon cognitive functions including lapses in concentration and memory loss, increased aggression and biological reactions such as irritable bowel syndrome and cardiovascular disease. All of these lead to compromised health, poor work performance and extended absence costing the UK economy vast sums per year.”

During UK Peace and Tranquillity Week visitors to Durham can enjoy slow food menus at the city’s restaurants, reflexology and Tai Chi taster sessions, and performances by Harpists and string quartets.

For more information about the full calendar of events during UK Peace and Tranquillity week visit www.durhampeace.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .