British People Spend a Lot of Their Time Worrying, Study Finds

October 11, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. tardy /ˈtɑr di/ (adj.) – being late or behind the time that has been set
Example: The new employee was tardy on his first day.

2. well-being /ˈwɛlˈbi ɪŋ/ (n.) – the condition of being in good form physically, emotionally, and psychologically
Example: Jack’s boss cares for his well-being.

3. worry /wɜr i/ (n.) – the state of being anxious about something
Example: It always causes me worry when my kids go to trips.

4. tend /tɛnd/ (v.) – to be likely to do something
Example: He tends to get stressed out when his boss gives him too much work.

5. ample /ˈæm pəl/ (adj.) – having more than what is needed
Example: She needs an ample amount of sleep before the marathon.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
People in the United Kingdom spend almost two hours per day worrying, a survey found.

Rescue Remedy, a company that makes herbal products, surveyed 2,000 British people. It revealed that among the 10 common causes of worry, work ranked the highest. Included in the top five were concerns about money, being tardy, and the health of loved ones and of oneself. The top ten worries also included relationships, missing public transportation, being unable to wake up to the alarm, one’s own appearance, and the safety of their family.

Findings also showed that majority of the respondents have expressed that worrying has affected their well-being, with 84% of the participants losing sleep because of worrying. Others have also said that it led to breakups, fights with their partners, and even the loss of their job.

While 34% were happy to share their concerns with others, one in four admitted that they often keep their worries to themselves. Eight out of 10 respondents also admitted that they tend to worry more than they have to.

In line with worrying, studies show that there is a connection between anxiety and insomnia. People with anxiety disorders are found to have trouble sleeping. Alternatively, people with insomnia have a higher probability of developing an anxiety disorder, even if they have no previous history of it. The study also suggests that getting ample amount of sleep is a good way to counter both problems.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from talking to someone, what are other ways to deal with worries?
·         Which type of worry mentioned in the article do you relate with the most and why?

Discussion B

·         Are there any possible advantages of worrying? Please explain your answer.
·         Do you consider yourself a worrier? Why or why not?

October 11, 2015