British Women No.1 Descision Makers
1 July 2004
But New Report Proves that Getting Ahead Involves Getting a Headache
Millions of stressed-out women in Britain are trying to take control of their lives so much that it's endangering relationships and ruining their sex lives, claims a study by Anadin*.
Nearly three quarters (72%) of women claimed that because of their hectic lifestyle they are now having to schedule time for romance, despite the fact that 64% of them would love to be more spontaneous.
The report by leading psychologist, Dr. Aric Sigman, on behalf of Anadin*, claims that this symptom is part of a bigger and more worrying syndrome for women called Plan-Ahead Syndrome.
83% of women find that they are planning further and further into the future in order to manage their lives. This planning invades all areas, including when they think they'll get married (67%), to when they'll buy their first home (59%), even to when and how many children they plan to have (83%).
However, the experts claim that rather than relieving pressure, they are adding to the stress of modern life with these self-imposed planning routines.
The research also shows that women are performing the role of social and emotional managers in relationships, with 73% of women saying that they co-ordinate most of the social arrangements for themselves and their partner and 76% admitting to always dealing with the important emotional issues that arise.
The study was commissioned by Anadin after initial research revealed that, despite being more organised than ever before, women are struggling to meet both work and personal commitments and are increasingly suffering from the physical symptoms of stress, including headaches and muscle pain.
Dr. Sigman comments: " The syndrome causes stress symptoms such as head and back aches and invades every area of females' lives, meaning there is no time available to focus on personal relationships. This is one area of life in which intuition and spontaneity are crucial, yet even impromptu impulses are being relegated to a form of 'planned spontaneity', which in the worst instances, can lead to sexual dissatisfaction."
Even having a 'good time' has come under threat according to the report, as women now plan the majority (57%) of their socialising more than a week in advance. Women only set aside an average of 6.4 hours a week in which to relax and do nothing and 64% always plan activities for their spare time.
"People are tending to behave as though leading a hectic lifestyle is somehow glamorous; a philosophy which needs to be challenged. Because of lack of time, social engagements can seem more of a burden rather than the fun they should be. Women are not giving themselves sufficient opportunities to relax - behaviour which results in physical and emotional symptoms of stress," says Dr Sigman.
Are you suffering from Plan Ahead Syndrome? How to spot the tell tale signs:
- You get stressed if you go anywhere without a personal organiser - it's as much a 'must have' as your lippy
- You complain of more frequent headaches and muscle pains and seems overly tired during work free weekends or when on holiday
- You spend a lot of time thinking and talking about work when away from the office
- You tend to have to schedule in 'quality time' with your partner and the kids
- Your relationship is suffering from a total lack of romantic spontaneity - there's always something else to do first
- Relaxing and 'doing nothing' needs to be scheduled in advance
- You plan outfits for special occasions and what Christmas presents to buy months in advance
- You never have impromptu meetings with friends - your social life is booked up at least a week in advance if not more!
- You constantly write lists of household tasks and worry when the jobs aren't completed
- You map out your partner's movements as well as your own and always enter things into your diary
* Trade Mark
