A new report has revealed that a city in the north has been named the most stressful place to live in the UK, with a number of factors taken into account when making the decision
When considering the stresses of urban life, London’s frenetic pace often springs to mind. However, a new study by Deskup’s research team reveals that a northern city has taken the dubious title of “most stressed town or city”. York, previously lauded as the UK’s “friendliest” and “most welcoming” city, now finds itself at the top of the list for more concerning reasons.
The researchers examined various stress-related factors, including health issues, anxiety levels, physical inactivity, substance misuse, and crime rates. Based on these criteria, York was assigned a “stress score” of 55.25, placing it at the top of the list.
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According to the report, York’s residents face significant challenges, including high unemployment and the second-lowest disposable household income, making it the country’s worst city for socioeconomic environment.
Additionally, York ranked sixth for poor physical health conditions, reports the Express. However, there was some positive news, as York was found to be one of the safest cities in terms of crime rates.
Experts from restless.co.uk have previously described York as one of the “friendliest places to live in the UK”, contrasting with the findings of the Deskup report. “With its captivating history, meandering medieval streets, and Gothic cathedrals, York has long been a favourite amongst travellers,” the team stated in their summary.
“But, it’s equally popular with locals and has consistently been voted one of the friendliest cities in the UK, and even globally.”
York was closely trailed by Cambridge, scoring 53.78. While you might anticipate one of the UK’s smallest cities to be the most serene place to reside, the experts claimed this “is not the case for Cambridge”.
The report highlighted that the city ranked as one of the “worst” for physical health conditions, as it “ranks second in the country for the most idle population” and fifth for the worst access to green spaces.
A spokesperson from Deskup commented: “Modern life has become fast-paced, costly and often complex, all of which contribute to added stressors that can negatively impact both our mental and physical well-being.
“Research indicates that increased stress levels often lead individuals to engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking, and neglecting self-care. It is vital to effectively address and manage stress to improve our overall quality of life.
“The research demonstrates a clear correlation of how location, job and personal health can affect mental and physical health. It’s essential to have support systems in place.
“Local authorities, employers, and society need to continue promoting open discussions about mental health to alleviate this burden.”