Tourism and Events Queensland found that southern state residents were the worst affected by stress but 43 per cent of people in its recent poll of more than 1000 people said they were tired, 39 per cent said they were stressed and overwhelmed and less than a quarter said they were relaxed.

According to the TEQ poll, a net 57 per cent believed they had not made the most of 2022, so far.

Similarly, a Gallup workplace poll found that 60 per cent of respondents were emotionally detached from work and 19 per cent said they were unhappy. About 44 per cent said they experienced stress for a lot of the previous work day. Almost 20 per cent said they were unhappy.

Gallop said stress among the world’s workers was at an all-time high. America and Canada had the highest levels of worker stress.

But of all the nations polled by Gallup, Australians were found to be coping better than most. Its poll said 55 per cent were living comfortably on their present income, well above the global average of 22 per cent.

Australians and New Zealander workers were found to have the best wellbeing in the world. More than 60 per cent were said to be “thriving”.

Europe, which is battling a falling economy and Russia’s military threats, dropped 5 points in the wellbeing category.

The two countries also had the lowest percentage of employees who believed corruption was widespread in business. Almost 60 per cent said it was a good time to find a job

The TEQ poll found that despite the high levels of stress, almost a quarter of respondents did not plan a holiday in the next six months, but of those who were planning a break, weekend getaways, road trips and beach holidays were the most desired.

Cruises were well back in the pack at 20 per cent. Island holidays were favoured by 7 per cent, a city escape by 16 per cent.