Stress in the city: How Singaporeans prefer to destress

The effects of hyper urbanisation in APAC economies on stress and mental pressure have been studied in research conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit and supported by Pure Group.

The survey of 1,000 residents across five cities in Asia (Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei) found that 31% of Singaporeans about the future of overcrowding in cities in the next three years. Furthermore, 56% of Singaporeans agree that they feel the lack of sufficient personal space.

"One of the reasons of overcrowding in smaller cities like Singapore and Hong Kong could be due to inflows of migrants, whereas mainland Chinese cities have created reforms to restrict migrants to cap population growth," cited the findings of the study called, Making Space.

Vikram Natarajan, country director, Pure Group, Singapore linked the data on a lack of physical space and intense competition for limited resources to discomfort and stress on overall human well-being.

He said: "Given that Asia is home to some of the most densely populated cities in the world, it is imperative to understand the impact of overcrowding on mental health, how people cope with it, and if there are more effective tools to battle big city living."

Different strokes for different folks

When it comes to relieving stress, 47% Singaporeans prefer to watch movies or TV to relax while those in Beijing and Shanghai prefer to take advantage of the outdoors.

And despite its many health benefits, yoga and meditation appears to be less of a priority as only 27% opt for exercise when compared to drinking, clubbing, karaoke and using social media, the study found.

"Much of this attitude can be attributed to excessive outdoor spaces available in both Beijing and Shanghai, while Singaporeans are restricted by a hotter, more tropical climate," said Natarajan.

This is also supported by Pure Group’s last study which revealed more than 50% of Singaporeans between age 18-65 do not actively engage in any form of physical activity, citing time (40%) and motivation (46%) as the biggest barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle.

Lead photo / 123RF Graphics / The Economist Intelligence Unit