Most Americans say that stress destroys their ability to enjoy life

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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 impacts all generations, from boomers to Gen Z. Each group stresses about different things. Effective stress management can provide physical and mental health benefits.

The weight of stress

It should come as no surprise that adults in the United States have high levels of stress. The survey, conducted by Clever Real Estate, asked respondents about what caused them the most stress. Financial problems appear on the list several times:

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

The effects of stress on the human body are well documented. It can cause or worsen chronic conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It can become a factor for strokes or heart attacks. It can also cause many digestive problems and weaken the immune system, not to mention that they lead to insomnia, obesity and mental health problems.

Physical symptoms of stress do not discriminate.

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

Stress has a severe impact on quality of life

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

Stress is also recognized as damaging 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 has the potential to be particularly damaging to families. Parents can take their stress out on their children, spouse, or both as they are more and more stressed.

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

Although they didn’t follow up, more than three-quarters of respondents thought that if more people cared about mental health, the world would be a better place, and 52% would happily pay higher taxes to see mental health services. mental health better supported by the government.

Younger generations claim to be more stressed

The younger generations have a more challenging time now than the older generations. The current decade has been formidable for all generations; 45% of US adults cited it as the most stressful decade in sixty years.

Millennials and Gen Z are the most affected. Now, stress is the highest it has ever been for 65% of millennials and 64% of Gen Z. The majority of Gen Z (61%) rate their stress level as “unreasonable” and feel that they have more stress from the average person. . Both millennials (55%) and Gen Z (55%) report 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. Moreover, 34% of American homeowners believe that they would not be so stressed if they did not have a home.

Since the younger generations struggle more with stress, many do not have adequate coping mechanisms to deal with the pressure, and strive in vain to find things to be grateful for.

Unavoidable stressors of American life

While 2 in 3 Americans say that social media is a significant stressor and is bad for society, they can remedy this by logging off or putting the phone down. Other triggers for stress are more challenging to manage.

Low wages (57%) and poor work-life balance (46%) are two significant stressors that are more difficult to avoid. Employees are often overworked with assigned tasks and longer than regular shifts, with poor benefits and inadequate paid off. Stress from these factors leads to burnout and low employee morale, which impacts the economy by creating an increase in unemployment due to high turnover rates.

Combining low pay with a rising cost of living results in most Americans feeling they can’t keep their heads above water. Prices are rising, but wages are not keeping up. Individuals seeking relief can turn to furthering 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 in crisis should take action to improve their mental health.

This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

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