Stressed? Discover some of the world’s most relaxing drives

New research from Hyundai has put a spotlight on the stresses of modern life and revealed how the UK is home to a host of locations perfect for a relaxing drive.

It is no secret that British roads are getting slower. So many of us face nightmare commutes these days, with official figures also showing that average speeds on A roads dropped by 1.3 per cent in 2018 when compared to 12 months earlier.

Because of such issues, it is easy for a simple journey from A to B to become both stressful and frustrating. In fact, such problems mean it can sometimes be hard to remember that getting behind the wheel of car is supposed to be fun, exciting and even relaxing.

The latter is an interesting point, particularly in these modern times where we all seem to face so many difficulties at any given time. Whether it is money worries, keeping in touch with friends or simply juggling a work-life balance, stress is sadly now a part of many lives.

In a rather surprising move, Hyundai has chosen to examine the issue of stress in a new survey created with OnePoll. The research has revealed that the average adult spends 46 minutes a day stressed, with worries meaning people struggle to sleep six nights a month.

Furthermore, it also claimed we only manage to find 45 minutes a day to relax, while women were found to spend more time stressed than their male counterparts. In terms of specific age groups, those aged between 35 to 44 years old were noted as the worst affected by stress.

But just what can be done to tackle this issue? Well, the poll found that adults used a range of activities to unwind, with a top option being hitting the road for a relaxing drive. It also revealed that many of the locations where Brits dream of enjoying a stress-free trip are in the UK, with the Lake District, Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands and Wales all making it into the top ten. International destinations that drivers want to experience include Australia, the California coastline, Route 66 and Iceland.

Discussing the pleasures that driving could offer, psychologist Dr Becky Spelman explained how access to nature is seen as an important way to unwind, yet so many of us currently live in very urban areas.

She added: “Your car becomes not just a mode of transport, but a gateway to another world in which your everyday worries and concerns are far behind you.”

All of this evidently shows that while modern life can undoubtedly be full of stress and frustration, there is a strong sense that your car could hold the key to putting yourself back on the right track.

In addition, the incredible natural landscapes of Wales, the Highlands and the Lake District mean you are not short of options in the UK when it comes to unwinding on incredibly scenic routes. So, if you’re struggling to relax, why not get behind the wheel and rediscover the simple pleasures of hitting the open road once again? We do not think you will regret it.