Stress is an inevitable part of daily life, and according to a recent study, there are specific times of day when stress levels are at their highest. Researchers found that the time of day people feel most stressed is in the late afternoon.

The Study

The study, conducted by the team at Forth, a health testing company, aimed to identify when people felt most anxious and stressed throughout the day.

The researchers used a stress assessment tool, which measured stress levels throughout the day over a period of two weeks. They collected data from over 2,000 participants, men and women aged between 18 to 65 years old.

The stress tool used in the study measured participants’ levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is known to increase in response to stress. The participants wore cortisol monitoring devices, which measured cortisol levels throughout the day.

The study also assessed participants’ mood and stress levels through a survey that inquired on how they felt throughout the day.

The Results

The results revealed that cortisol levels were highest during the late afternoon, specifically between 4 pm and 6 pm.

Participants’ self-reported stress levels followed a similar pattern, with the highest levels reported during the late afternoon, and the lowest levels in the morning and evening.

The study also found that stress levels varied between genders, with women reporting higher levels of stress than men.

However, cortisol levels were higher in men during the early hours of the day, while women had higher cortisol levels in the afternoon.

The Causes of Afternoon Stress

But why are stress levels higher in the late afternoon? There are several factors that could contribute to this phenomenon. One possible explanation is the natural dip in the body’s cortisol levels that occurs in the late morning.

Cortisol levels are highest in the morning in order to help us wake up and get moving. However, as the day progresses, cortisol levels naturally drop, which can leave us feeling tired and stressed.

Another factor that contributes to afternoon stress is the accumulation of tasks throughout the day.

As people go through their day, they accumulate a backlog of tasks and responsibilities, which can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stress by the end of the day.

The study also found that work-related stress was a significant factor in afternoon stress levels. Many participants reported feeling stressed due to job-related pressures, deadlines, and workload.

This is consistent with previous research, which has found that work-related stress is a significant factor in overall stress levels.

How to Manage Afternoon Stress

If you find yourself feeling stressed in the late afternoon, there are several things you can do to manage your stress levels. Here are some tips:.

Take a Break

One of the best ways to relieve stress is to take a break. Take a walk, do some stretches or exercises, or go outside and get some fresh air. Taking even a few minutes to step away from your work can help you recharge and feel more relaxed.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing, or try a guided meditation app, such as Headspace or Calm.

Plan Your Day

One way to avoid accumulating stress throughout the day is to plan your day ahead. Set priorities and goals for the day, and break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help you feel more in control and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Delegate Tasks

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with tasks, consider delegating some of them to others. This can free up some of your time and reduce your workload, helping to reduce stress levels.

Avoid Overload

Finally, if you find yourself feeling consistently stressed in the late afternoon, it may be worth considering whether you’re taking on too much. Avoid overloading yourself with responsibilities and tasks, and learn to say no when you need to.

This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Conclusion

Stress is an inevitable part of daily life, and according to the recent study, it peaks in the late afternoon.

Understanding the causes of afternoon stress and implementing strategies to manage it can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. By taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, planning your day, delegating tasks, or avoiding overload, you can help to manage stress and feel more in control.