It’s Official: Tampa Bay is a Stress Mess!
The editorial team from Forbes.com, the online version of the Forbes magazine, is well known for their Top Ten lists. They recently released their Top Ten Most Stressed-Out Cities with Las Vegas being number one, followed by Los Angeles and Houston.
And what major metropolitan area is number 4? Tampa Bay!
Their criteria to determine these “most stressed-out cities” includes the following: High unemployment, long commute times, long work hours, limited access to health care, poor physical health and a lack of exercise.
Overall, here are the individual categories of stressors and their corresponding rankings for Tampa:
High Unemployment Rank: #5 in the U.S.
Long Commute Times Rank: #17 in the U.S.
Long Working Hours Rank: #10 in the U.S.
Limited Health Care Rank: #13 in the U.S.
Poor Physical Health Rank: #4 in the U.S.
Limited Exercise Rank: #9 in the U.S.
So, does that mean you should move? NO!
Now hear this: “Leaving the situation usually isn’t the best way to create a solution. Part of the problem is denial, which simply means that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’.”
The path to breaking through denial is first having an awareness of these issues. If you’re not aware, you won’t change anything. To create less stress the following are suggested:
- Stress is lifestyle created. Regardless of how much we hear, read and see about diet and exercise, people are still not placing a high value on their health.
- Setting boundaries with yourself, creating goals and having an accountability partner are all necessary components to creating a more stress free life.
- Having a good sense of humor, getting outside and connecting with nature on a regular basis, moving your body and developing a positive social network are other valuable components to decreasing stress.
- When we’re reminded, we are more likely to take action. Use your day-timer, your calendar or computer software to schedule in stress reducing activities.
Additionally, if you can’t get the work life balance you desire, consider hiring a professional coach or therapist. It’s great investment for your health, wealth and happiness!