Recent studies have warned that exposure to stress or fatigue in midlife may increase the risk of dementia.
Meanwhile, a British survey involving 2,000 adults revealed that preparing for work commutes and getting children ready for school makes the morning the most stressful time of day.
When participants were asked about the time they feel extreme stress during the day, 51% admitted they often feel fatigued from the moment they wake up and leave their beds.
However, most individuals experience stress at precisely 8:15 a.m., on average. They sometimes lose 20 minutes and 28 seconds due to unexpected incidents during this already busy time of day.
Participants cited common morning concerns such as losing house keys, oversleeping, deciding what to wear, and quickly preparing their children for school.
Researchers offered some hope in the form of advice to help reduce stress resulting from the exhausting morning routine. Recommendations include minimizing technology use and preparing lunches the night before. They also advised creating an easier and more consistent morning routine that all family members can follow, which helps alleviate stress.
The research team encouraged parents to wake up at least 30 minutes earlier than their children and allocate some leisure time for self-preparation. They also emphasized delegating more tasks and responsibilities to children, focusing on age-appropriate helpful activities.