Overcrowding affects us all. Whether it's the trauma of the daily commute on
trains and tubes, getting stuck in a Bank Holiday traffic jam, the long
waiting times in overstretched hospitals, or the schools we can't get our
children into, overcrowding touches our lives in so many ways.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that population
density in England is already almost double that of Germany and four times
the figure for France. By 2056 our population will have grown from 60
million to 68 million - 1,349 people stuffed into every square mile.
So, what does this mean for our psyche? What are the emotional effects of
living on a small island with a rapidly burgeoning population, and, what, if
anything, can we do about it?
The most obvious sufferers of overcrowding are the beleaguered commuters whose
story is so often told, and whose pain is felt daily on over-stuffed trains
or tubes.
European research on people who commute more than 45 minutes each way suggests
that they suffer more headaches, aches and pains, and increased
susceptibility to flu viruses. Psychologists point out that people have two
basic space requirements: personal space and territorial space. When these
are infringed, stress levels rocket.
Phil Goodwin, Professor of Transport Policy at the University of the West of
England, says: “The fight or flight hormones are triggered, but we can't do
anything with them, particularly if we are stuck in trains or traffic jams.
So they burn up our insides rather than releasing energy to do other
physical things.” Distracting yourself with a book or an iPod is one
strategy; imagining a safe haven around yourself is another.
Suzy Dittmar, a cognitive behaviour therapist and hypnotherapist at the Hale
Clinic, Central London, says: “I advise clients to imagine that they are in,
say, a blue egg on the Tube. The eggshell is flexible and doesn't break so
if they are touched or their personal space gets invaded, they are still
protected.”
Alternatively, if people are troubled by the frustration of waiting in a queue
or being stuck in gridlocked traffic, adjusting the pattern of their
thoughts can also be helpful. “If I say to myself it's unbearable, then the
outcome will be unhealthy anger . . . But if I accept and observe my
feelings by saying, yes, of course, I would prefer not to wait so long, but
this isn't as bad as some things that could happen to me, then it will be a
healthier frustration that will enable me to use the time more
productively.”
Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to avoid commuting in the rush hour.
Dr Goodwin says: “In recent years flexible working has really started taking
off. If you work one or two days a week at home, that reduces 20 per cent of
the traffic load. This has also been shown to make people work more
efficiently and keep them happier.”
Unfortunately, senior managers at many companies are still resisting this
change. If so, Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology and
Health at Lancaster University, emphasises the importance of not being
sucked into the culture of presenteeism. “Leave at a reasonable time every
day, or even better, get in early and leave early to avoid the rush hour,”
he says. Of course, overcrowding affects much more than just transport.
Noise is a big issue for people living in high-density housing, and the
green belt is under constant pressure from developers.
Yet green space in cities, as well as open countryside, is vitally important
for our wellbeing, particularly if, as looks likely, many more people will
be living in smaller apartments without gardens.
Last year the mental health charity Mind released a report called Ecotherapy,
which showed what we all know instinctually: structured exercise in a green
environment, whether walking in a park or gardening, has significant
benefits. The evidence came from a study by the University of Essex. It
found that after a walk in a green space, 71 per cent of people reported
decreased levels of depression and tension, and 90 per cent had increased
self-esteem. After window-shopping, however, 50 per cent said that their
feelings of tension had increased and 44 per cent reported lower self-esteem.
Down-shifting to happiness
Certainly, Tracey Smith, 42, the founder of National Downshifting Week, argues
for less shopping and more appreciation of relationships. Smith used to work
in London, but moving to a village in Somerset drastically improved her
life. “I live in the smallest house I've ever had, I have a tiny garden, but
within a few minutes is a playground and a park. If you get trapped in
earning a lot of money just so you can buy things, you are not going to be
spending much time with the people you love. The secret is about embracing
living with less.”
She does, however, caution against downshifting to a rural location until you
have thought through the ramifications (see panel). “It's a huge adjustment;
suddenly you might be seeing your partner 24/7, and you are going to have to
cope with living on a lot less money.”
Professor Cooper adds: “Research shows that the more control you take in your
life the less stressed you will be. Go out to green spaces and if you see
people trying to build on them, protest and fight to stop it.
“Value your wellbeing and work-life balance; these are much more likely to
make you happy than a big salary, and make time to nurture your
relationships and express your feelings. Don't sit back, get out there and
fight for change.”
There may be nothing we can do about the inexorable population rise in our
country, but we can make small changes in our lives to deal with the hell
that is other people.
Anxiety UK provides useful information on coping with anxiety and stress.
For more details contact 0161-227 9898 or visit its website:
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Case study: Far from the madding crowd
Sarah Goodenough, 36, and her family moved to the Dordogne last year. The move
was a reaction to what had become a stressful life, despite living outside
Norwich in the countryside.
“I had to use the car to get everywhere, and the traffic was getting worse. In
the morning I would rush to drop the children off at school; they weren't
allowed to be there until 8.30am, but I dropped them off at 8.20am, which I
hated doing, then if I really rushed, I would be on time for work. I was
often late though and would have to make up the time. On the way back the
whole nightmare would start again.”
Goodenough was a secretary but she was also learning to be a reflexologist.
She began to lose a lot of weight and she developed severe back problems.
“When my husband, a salesman, had the chance to take redundancy, it seemed
the opportunity to make a change. I'd always wanted to live abroad for a
wonderful family way of life, with more space and fewer cars.”
Food and fuel were expensive
The move went well at first. “It was lovely in summer when we could enjoy the
countryside and lake, but then the seasons changed and everyone went home
and there were just a few expats left. We realised how rural it was; I was
driving
45 minutes just to get into the nearby town. Houses are cheap, but food and
fuel are incredibly expensive. There was also little work; I got a job as a
waitress but my boss refused to pay me, and there was nothing I could do.”
After lengthy tearful discussions the family decided to return to England last
February. This time, though, they broke with their rural past and moved to
the edge of Bury St Edmonds, in Suffolk. The decision has transformed her
life.
“My children walk to school and I walk to work. I hardly ever use the car and
although I am working full time, I feel so much more relaxed because I am
not permanently rushing and stuck in traffic. My health and my stress levels
are so much better.”
“We can walk to the market”
Goodenough's house is smaller, but easier to heat and clean. She has a small
garden, which has also come as a relief. “The doctor's surgery is
miles better here because it serves more people. The children's school is
better, too. Before, their village school was a bit insular, whereas now
they mix with children from other cultures. We can walk to the market and go
to the local coffee shops.”
She also points out that there are miles more cycle paths in the town, whereas
in the countryside you have to cycle or walk along main roads.
