Tis the season... to be stressed?!
With the Christmas countdown looming, a new study by Alka Seltzer ‘Christmas Stress & Excess’ reveals the extent of just how much of a headache the Christmas season is for triggering stress amongst Irish adults. Surveying 1000 Irish people, the independent study found that 1 in 2 adults (49 per cent) is stressing about Christmas with the vast majority of these (76 per cent) being anxious about pressures on personal finances at Christmas.
The sandwich generation (those between the ages of 32 and 50 juggling household budget and family duties) carry the biggest seasonal stress burden (76% compared to an average of 63% of older and younger adult). These women cited that the pressures of shopping, cooking, cleaning and entertaining on top of coping with role of chief financial officer for their household.
According to Alka Seltzer, Brand Manager Jennifer Walsh:
“For many Irish adults the downturn has already caused immense worry and concern. The additional pressures on pockets at Christmas can pile on even more stress, adding to financial difficulties. As stress can be one of the major causes of tension headaches, ‘Seasonal Stress and Excess’ has allowed Alka-Seltzer gain further understanding of Seasonal pressures and develop some coping strategies to help mitigate the Season of stress.”
To take at least some of the stress off your shoulders, Alka-Seltzer are giving away special stress-busting packs to five lucky Her.ie readers. Each pack includes:
- Turkey bag – 6.01pm on Christmas Eve, every shop in the country is closed and you suddenly realise you’ve forgotten the turkey bag, not to worry, we’ll make sure you’re not stuffed!
- Coffee sachet – Between heavy socialising, family reunions and seasonal sales, you may find your energy levels depleted. This coffee sachet will ensure you’ve got an instant caffeine fix..
- Sewing Kit – Have you over indulged on the fabulous festive food- you might be finding your party dress a little snug at the sems. This sewing kit will be your new best friend!
- Santa Stress Ball – Christmas crowds, extra traffic on the roads and family politics, the list of potential stressful situations is endless! Grab hold of Santa stress ball for some instant stress relief..
- Refreshing Sachet – Cooking, shopping, entertaining guests- just some of the occasions in which you’ll need quick refreshment. Having our handy wipe in your bag or glove department means you’ll never be stuck.
- Head massager – Whether you’re planning a hectic holiday or a relaxing, if somewhat reclusive break, a head massager will help you unwind in seconds, its spine ticklingly good.
All the items are presented in a gorgeous white Alka Seltzer drawstring bag, perfect for tucking into your handbag or glove compartment to ensure you’re covered along every step of the stressful Christmas season.

To get your hands on a survival pack, just guess which sex the survey found to be more stressed over the Christmas period - men or women. Good luck!
- COMPETITION CLOSED -