Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus may be associated with a slower Mediterranean lifestyle, but many residents report feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and under pressure to remain constantly connected. Business and organisational psychologist Dr Maria Charalampous said modern work, financial pressures and technology are affecting people’s ability to rest.
Work and financial pressures
Charalampous said Cyprus continues to offer aspects of Mediterranean life, including outdoor activities, close family and social ties, and a warm culture.
However, she said these benefits coexist with growing pressures linked to work, the cost of living and the pace of contemporary life.
Many people work long hours to make up for salaries that have not always kept pace with rising living costs, she said. Workplace cultures can also promote high expectations, extended working hours and an “always on” approach, making it harder for employees to properly disconnect.
Constant stimulation
The pressures are not limited to Cyprus, Charalampous said, noting that contemporary life has left many people in a continual state of stimulation.
People are regularly exposed to information, notifications and social media, while expectations from employers, society and themselves have increased, she said.
Even outside working hours, people often continue checking emails, notifications and online content rather than switching off. Charalampous said technology has significantly affected people’s ability to rest because they are constantly connected, available and often expected to respond quickly.
Screen time and psychological rest
Charalampous said continuous phone use can also distract people from the present moment, as they may be with others while focusing on online activity and future tasks.
Although phones are often used to relieve stress, excessive screen time may leave people feeling more mentally drained rather than refreshed, she said. Endless scrolling can keep the brain engaged and processing new information instead of allowing the mind and body to recover.
She distinguished between leisure, relaxation and psychological rest, saying leisure concerns how spare time is used, while psychological rest involves feeling mentally restored and free from continuous demands, pressure and stimulation.
Changing pace of life
Charalampous said technology and modern working conditions are not the only influences on rest. The pace of life has also changed, particularly in Cyprus’ urban areas.
