TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Urban living can be a double-edged sword. While major cities offer exciting prospects, they often come with a hefty dose of stress. Factors such as dense populations, choking pollution, gridlocked traffic, and sky-high living costs all contribute to this growing issue.

According to Vaay, a stress management platform, these are the five most stress-inducing cities in 2024:

1. Mumbai, India

Ranked number one, India’s largest city Mumbai struggles with a suffocating mix of severe air and light pollution, extreme population density, and limited access to essential healthcare. Crumbling infrastructure adds to the daily grind, with nightmarish commutes thanks to constant traffic congestion. The city's fast pace and exorbitant cost of living further exacerbate the stress burden on residents.

2. Manila, Philippines

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is the most stressful city in Southeast Asia. Inadequate infrastructure and severe traffic congestion plague the city, causing immense frustration and delays for commuters. High population density creates a breeding ground for pollution and sanitation problems. Manila's quality of life also suffers from high crime rates and a lack of green spaces, leaving residents with limited options to unwind and escape daily pressures.

3. Cairo, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt's capital, finds itself high on the stress list. Factors like high air pollution, low safety levels, and unhealthy habits like smoking and overeating contribute significantly. Chaotic traffic, an inefficient public transportation system, and challenging economic realities add further financial stress to residents' lives.

4. São Paulo, Brazil

São Paulo, one of the largest cities in South America, grapples with a triple threat: congested traffic, a high cost of living, and a significant crime rate. The city also battles severe air pollution, which negatively affects both physical and mental health. The dense population and lack of adequate public spaces make it difficult for residents to find moments of relaxation and de-stressing. This combination of factors makes São Paulo a contender for the most stressful city title.

5. Jakarta, Indonesia

Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is no stranger to stress. The city endures a trifecta of woes: severe traffic congestion, high air pollution, and frequent flooding. Jakarta's infrastructure struggles to keep pace, with inadequate public transportation and limited public services. The high cost of living and stark social disparities between rich and poor add to the overall stress of living in Jakarta. Many residents face a daily battle with an unhealthy environment and limited access to quality healthcare.

MYESHA FATINA RACHMAN

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