Vox pop by Kristina Vallesteros, Rui Pastorin
Macau is a city that – virtually – doesn’t sleep, a place that has people across various ages constantly moving and working at different times of the day. This can undoubtedly lead to stressful moments for some, while others may find other factors that cause anxieties in their lives. How do people manage their stress? The Post wanted to find out, with street interviews held around the city centre yesterday.
One task at a time
“Stress can make you pessimistic about life,” said Elnora, a Philippine missionary currently studying in Macau. For her, stress often arises from homework and societal standards. She approaches stress by tackling tasks one at a time and prioritising effectively.
To combat the negativity that comes with stress, Elnora now focuses on rest, healthy eating, taking walks, and engaging in prayer—be it through silent reflection or walking meditation. She also values social interactions and learning new skills as effective ways to alleviate stress.
Talking about it
Yip, a local high school student, shared how school is a significant source of stress for her. To relieve stress, the 17-year-old finds joy in listening to music and playing video games. She also mentioned how school guidance counsellors regularly check in on students, giving students a safe space to talk about their problems.
Meanwhile, Santos, a 19-year-old local university student, highlighted several other factors that are causing him stress: financial pressures, conflicts with classmates and colleagues, and poor time management. “I sometimes schedule part-time work on days when my schedule is already busy enough, which in turn causes me more stress,” he explained.
During these times, Santos finds solace in talking to someone about his problems, or else he’d “keep stressing alone until the situation has passed”.
‘It’s my goal’
Xenia, a 32-year-old local staff member of a jewellery shop, said that her work-related stress was manageable, joking that her stress comes from being a parent. After stressful situations arise, Xenia said that she chooses to take part in hobbies that make her happy, such as watching movies or by creating art through drawing or painting. She also takes a goal-oriented approach, looking at places that she hopes to visit someday to keep her going. “It’s my goal”.
‘Just pray and enjoy life’
Work-related pressures are also not so high for 44-year-old Alejandro, he told the Post, but did note that there are other aspects of his life, such as family-related matters, that give him worries. To ease troubles whenever they come, Alejandro, who has worked in Macau for 13 years, likes to be outside and find quiet moments to pass the time.
“When you’re at home, you’re alone. You don’t really have anyone to talk to and maybe you’ll just watch TV. There will be moments when you just think about your problems and feel unhappy. So, I choose to go out, hang around outside. Maybe take a walk or jog”, Alejandro said. The Filipino security guard also emphasised prayer and being with people to get through hard times. “Just pray and enjoy life, it doesn’t need to be so stressful. Go out and find your friends. Be with them”.
Don’t think so much about the little things
Meanwhile, a local senior surnamed Tam said that she has been able to generally live a comfortable and mostly happy life without too much stress. She is now in her sixties and has recently retired from work.
On living a happy life, Tam offered advice, one of which was not to think and worry so much about the little things. She added that one should take life easy and not give oneself too much stress, while noting that although good times will pass, the bad ones will too.
This infographic downloaded from the Mental Health America website last night suggests ways to deal with stress and anxiety.
