Most Americans say that stress destroys their ability to enjoy life

Approximate reading time: 4-5 minutes

SAYRE, Pa. – In a recent survey, 61% of Americans say their stress levels are higher than ever, and 55% say their stress levels are preventing them from enjoying life.

Unfortunately, the high stress epidemic affects all generations, from boomers to Gen Z. Each group emphasizes different things. Effective stress management can have benefits for physical and mental health.

Stress weight

It’s no wonder that adults in the United States have high levels of stress. The survey, conducted by Clever Real Estate, asked respondents what caused them the most stress. Financial problems appear several times on the list.

• Cost of living: 80%
• inflation: 73%
• Personal finance, 61%
• Mental health, 57%
• Debt, 55%
• Physical health, 53%
• Home, 49%
• Relationships, 48%
• Work, 45%

The effects of stress on the human body are well documented. It can cause or exacerbate chronic conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It can become a factor of stroke or heart attack. It can also cause a host of digestive problems and weaken the immune system, not to mention lead to insomnia, obesity and mental health issues.

Physical symptoms of stress do not discriminate.

Unfortunately, dealing with stress is rarely a one-time thing. Your struggle will continue until the root of the problem is adequately addressed and managed. It affects people in several ways, as it slowly seeps into every part of an individual’s life, from work to relationships, and even self-worth and confidence.

Stress seriously affects the quality of life

About 55% of US adults cannot enjoy life because of stress or its symptoms, and 48% report crying at least once a week. Thirty percent of respondents say they do nothing to improve or improve their mental health or reduce stress.

Stress is also widely recognized as damaging to relationships, with 59% of Americans citing it as a major cause of difficulties in marriage, romantic relationships and other family relationships, as well as friendships. It can be particularly damaging to families. Parents may take their stress out on their children, spouse, or both as they become increasingly stressed.

The coping methods people turn to can also add to the problem. More than 40% of adults say they overeat to cope with stress, and 39% turn to alcohol for relief. These harmful coping methods highlight the critical need for better access to mental health resources.

Although they may not follow it, more than three-quarters of respondents believe that if more people prioritized mental health, the world would be a better place, and 52% would be happy to pay higher taxes to see improved mental health services supported are to mental health. government.

Younger generations report experiencing more stress

Younger generations now have a harder time than older generations. The current decade has been terrible for all generations. 45% of US adults cite it as the most stressful decade of the past sixty years.

Millennials and Gen Z are getting hit the hardest. Right now, stress is at an all-time high for 65% of millennials and 64% of Gen Zs. The majority of Gen Z (61%) rate their stress levels as “unreasonable” and believe they experience more stress than the average person. . Both millennials (55%) and Gen Z (55%) report having difficulty functioning due to stress. Only 30% of Baby Boomers feel this way.

Housing prices are a significant concern for millennials, with 64% citing it as a primary stressor. Conversely, 34% of American homeowners believe they wouldn’t be as stressed if they didn’t own a home.

As younger generations struggle more with stress, many lack coping mechanisms and struggle in vain to find things to be grateful for.

The inevitable stresses of American life

While 2 in 3 Americans say social media is a significant stressor and harmful to society, they can fix it by logging off or putting down their phone. Other stress triggers are more difficult to manage.

Low wages (57%) and poor work-life balance (46%) are two significant stressors that are more difficult to avoid. Employees are often overwhelmed with assigned tasks and longer-than-usual shifts, poor benefits, and underpaid vacation time. The stress from these factors leads to burnout and low employee morale, which affects the economy, creating increased unemployment due to high turnover rates.

Combining low pay with the rising cost of living means most Americans feel they can’t keep their heads high. Prices are rising, but wages are not keeping pace. Individuals seeking solace can turn to continuing their education, acquiring more marketable skills, or exploring relevant self-improvement tips to get ahead.

Many people cope with stress in unhealthy, even destructive, ways. Experts recommend avoiding substances such as alcohol, drugs and smoking to relieve stress. Individuals who feel they are in crisis should take steps to improve their mental health.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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