Why are we all so stressed?

Why are we all so stressed?

Author: BBC Radio April 23, 2026 Duration: 6:42

Worrying about exams, work or climate change in the news. It's no wonder modern life is stressful. Becca and Neil hear from a presenter and psychologist about managing stress. Learn some tips to help with worrying and stress, as well as some new vocabulary and phrases!

Find a transcript and worksheet at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2026/ep-260423

Learn language to use at work in Office English: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english

Get our latest programmes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters


Ever feel like you want to improve your English but can't find the time? 6 Minute English from BBC Radio is designed for exactly that. Each episode is a compact, six-minute conversation built around a curious topic, from the science of happiness to the history of coffee. Within that short format, you'll hear authentic clips from across the BBC, giving you a real taste of how English is spoken in various contexts. The presenters naturally introduce and explain useful vocabulary and phrases that come up during their discussion, helping you build practical language skills. This podcast turns a brief moment in your day-a commute, a coffee break-into a genuine learning opportunity. It’s more than just a lesson; it’s a regular dose of engaging content that sharpens your listening comprehension and expands your vocabulary without feeling like a textbook. You get to hear different accents and speaking styles, all while exploring fascinating subjects. Whether you're looking to feel more confident in conversation or simply enjoy the rhythm of the language, this series makes consistent practice both achievable and genuinely interesting. Tune in for a quick, effective, and enjoyable way to connect with the English language.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

6 Minute English
Podcast Episodes
What is the manosphere? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:45
Have you ever come across a so-called masculinity influencer on social media?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-eng…
What is degrowth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:58
Should we shrink the economy to save the planet? Today, Phil is joined by Hannah from BBC podcast What in the world who explains the idea of degrowth.Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episod…
How can we help wild bees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:54
Did you know that many species of wild bees are endangered in the UK? What can we do to help?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/featu…
Do you need to declutter your home? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:49
Is your home neat and tidy? Or is it full of stuff you no longer need? You might need to declutter!Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english…
How do you say sorry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:33
When was the last time you had to apologise to somebody? Do you remember how you did it? Neil and Beth discuss apologies from around the world. Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:…
Are plant-based substitutes healthier than meat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:33
Are plant-based substitutes any healthier than the meat options they have replaced? Neil and Georgie discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode…
How do babies communicate? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:33
How do babies let their parents know what they want when they can't speak? Beth and Neil discuss this and teach you some new vocabulary. Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:https://…
Can climate change affect our mental health? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:49
How can you protect your mental health from the impacts of climate change?Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at:https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english…
How important is politeness? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:15
Why are we polite? Does what we say really affect what people think of us? Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-engli…
What's your favourite kind of noodle? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:15
Neil and Beth discuss the history of noodles and teach you some new vocabulary.Find a full transcript, worksheet and interactive quiz for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-e…