Polling for Happiness
In the Galaxy poll for News Limited, the Mood of Australians survey reveals a deep-seated optimism at the core of the nation’s approach to life. Often touted internationally for the indomitable “glass-half-full” approach to life, it looks like Aussies are happier for their rosy outlook than more stress-oriented counterparts overseas. The survey revealed that the majority of Australians do not believe that money is the key to happiness, but value time with family and friends with greater importance.
An approximated 61% of people polled indicated that time with family and friends is the key to “improving their personal quality of life.” A low-stress approach to life enables better enjoyment of down time. The poll indicates that 58% of participants believe that reducing stress will bring them a better life.
The poll does reveal some accuracy to the adage that money and happiness often coincide as a greater percentage of high-income earners reported satisfaction with life than their lower-income earning counterparts. However, there was consensus among all levels of earning that money is not the ultimate source for contentment.
The problem that seems to be growing is that the flagging market is forcing more and more Australians into longer work hours. For the majority who find joy in time with loved ones, this presents a major obstacle to happiness.
A trend is growing as 18% reported feeling that today, they have a significantly smaller amount of money to spend on things they want and need than was available to them 10 years ago. With this growing economic tightness, it seems that the rose-colored glasses may be coming off for a growing number of the Australian population.
The relaxed disposition that is so commonly associated with Australia has manifested itself in a new light as Aussies try to balance demanding schedules and precious time with family and friends.
Stress and Quality of Life
As the business world marches ever onward, it has become critical for the working public to understand the importance of stress management. In the 2011 State of the Nation survey on stress and wellbeing, findings showed a notable difference in stress levels among varying age groups; “young adults reported experiencing significantly higher levels of stress and significantly lower levels of wellbeing than the general population.”
This difference in stress demographics indicates a concerning trend. As young people are reaching working age and are entering the work force, higher demands seem to be growing in this group. Whether it is related to more stringent competition for jobs or the demanding schedules of entry-level jobs, the toll is remarkable.
On the one hand, cubicle stress, and other forms of corporate-world-induced anxieties aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. On the other hand, self-employment, entrepreneurship, and alternative work-style choices are making their presence felt in Australia, as opportunities such as serviced offices (http://www.regus.com.au/products/offices/serviced-offices.aspx) are allowing employers and employees alike to afford more flexibility in terms of working spaces and schedules.
However, if the increase in stress among younger adults is an indicator of a growing trend, then even the most laid back of Aussies will be in need of help in stress management. The trend could be a sign of growing proportions or a single, isolated incident.
Will stress continue to plague only the youngest generation, or will it expand as those young adults grow older?
With this possible epidemic of stress, people are ever more in need of things like hobbies, sports teams to participate in and good friends to help take the edge off after a long day.
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