NEWS COPY
Having trouble with your printer or slow computer? Brace yourself -you may have to put up with it 40,000 more times...
In a study conducted by 24 Hour Fitness, it was revealed that millions of Americans are suffering from 'tech stress'- experiencing at least two malfunctions a day.
From weak Wi-Fi connectivity and poor cell signals to temperamental office printers and computers, 65 percent of U.S. adults say they regularly lose their cool because of unreliable technology.
The average American experiences two forms of tech problems in some form each day – that mounts up to an incredible 40,880 occurrences of tech stress over an adult lifetime.
Other common triggers that get our blood boiling are slow downloads, pop-up ads and logging in or password problems.
The poll of 2,000 Americans found devices having a mind of their own. Restarting by themselves or not charging properly also take their toll on our physical wellbeing.
One in seven Americans has even thrown their phone across a room in frustration after it failed to work properly.
Half of the 2,000 studied have yelled at a piece of technology and 16 percent have been reduced to tears.
Stress from technology breakdown has a physical effect, with four in ten saying they’ve experienced a stiff neck brought on by stress, one in four are hampered by achy joints and muscles and over a quarter suffer from stress-induced migraines.
These ailments have increased the need to battle stress with gym workouts, yoga and getting extra rest featured among the best remedies.
”Fitness goals are about more than exercise. At 24 Hour Fitness we believe the time you spend in the gym helps make the life you lead outside the best it can be, and that includes helping you deal with the daily stress of technology breakdown,” said Mike Carney, Vice President Marketing, 24 Hour Fitness.
Tech stress strikes most often in work environments. Followed most closely by interruptions where attempting important conversations with colleagues.
More than half of those polled said tech stress often strikes when they are up against the clock on a deadline, or need things done fast. One in seven has missed an important work deadline because technology failed them.
Disturbances while streaming a movie have sent a third of Americans on to stress-filled frustrations.
The research examined the link between stress levels and exercise/movement and found as many as 70 percent of employees feel their job doesn’t allow them to move around enough during the day.
A fifth have argued with their partner because of a technology failure while more than a quarter said they have missed a crucial call or text that had big repercussions for them.
No wonder that 31 percent work out to combat modern stress. The most popular methods to reduce stress were walking or listening to music.
In fact, 57 percent feel they get a mental boost from working out and four in ten feel emotional benefits.
The ‘work out effect’ as a solution to combat tech stress lasts for over four hours.
Well over a third of those surveyed said if they don’t exercise regularly they feel more stressed and pent up.
While 85 percent subscribe to the ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ philosophy “Science has proven how important, a healthy lifestyle is, not only for disease prevention, but also in dealing with the many stressors of daily life.
At 24 Hour Fitness, we educate our members about the value of mindful stretching, breath techniques and relaxation, all important components of our group exercise and personal fitness options.
When you practice these skills, you become better prepared for enjoying daily life and managing annoying and more serious life stressors,” said Carney.
TOP 25 TECH STRESSES
- Slow devices
- Computer/program crash
- Slow downloads
- Poor cell signal
- Weak/spotty Wi-Fi
- Dropped calls
- Printer jam
- Forgetting password
- Viruses
- Error messages
- Spam/Popup ads
- Low/Dead battery
- Login/Signup problems
- Long page upload
- Accidentally deleting files
- Delayed response
- Overheating
- Video lagging
- Device won't turn on
- Missing files
- Never receive text message
- Power cable won't charge
- Hard drive/ memory card corruption
- Device keeps restarting
- Photo storage issues
TOP 10 SOURCES OF TECH STRESS
- Laptop
- Desktop computer
- Smartphone
- Printer
- TV
- DVD / Blu Ray
- IPad/Tablet
- Digital camera
- Video game console
- GPS
CALCULATIONS: Two tech stresses a day- 730 a year x 56 adult years = 40, 880
ENDS