Research published by Post Office® recently highlights the health effects the recession has had on those living in the UK. The report shows that certain groups of people – with a particular focus on parents – are suffering from increased anxiety and stress due to a lack of money. So could sports such as kitesurfing alleviate the pressures of recession life?

According to Post Office®, life and travel insurance http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/p...diaId=63300708 specialists, the recession has caused two thirds (64 percent) of parents to worry about whether they can afford the weekly food bill. However, almost half (48 percent) of those asked are said to be experiencing physical signs of stress because of lack of funds.

The recession was also found to be having further effects on the lifestyles of parents, with another 48 percent of those admitting an increase in stress levels also saying that they were eating badly as a result – and a quarter saying they were smoking and drinking more.

Duncan Caesar-Gordon, head of protection products at the Post Office, said: ‘Understandably, the recession has got everyone keeping an eye on their finances, but unfortunately the downturn has caused stress for millions. If people are worried about money they should speak to their bank or Citizens Advice Bureau and should try and avoid things that could be detrimental their health.’

The research also found the primary symptoms of recession-induced stress to include sleep problems and migraines. 40 percent of those asked said they were suffering from sleep disturbance, whilst 30 percent admitted to increased headaches.

Are increased activities and a sport such as kitesurfing, a key to putting a stop to such symptoms? Specialists at active living website, realbuzz.com, would say so. In their article, ‘How to get fit through kitesurfing’, alongside the benefits to muscular strength in arm and leg muscles, and the evident boosts to co-ordination skills, it is also argued that kitesurfing ‘refreshes and energises the mind with open air combining with fast-paced water activity.’

Yet, whilst kitesurfing may be said to benefit people in a way that many solo sports do, the inclusion of the kite may go towards something more. With its roots in historical China, kite flying inspired the following saying: ‘Those who fly a kite can have a long life.’ This reputation that a seemingly innocuous pastime has garnered is fairly simple to understand when one considers the Chinese notion of qigong, or Qi cultivation. Simply put, the preservation of health through focus, concentration, relaxation and gratification.