Americans’ Stress Levels On the Rise

ATLANTA—Almost half of Americans are more stressed now than they were just six months ago, according to a new report from Booth Research. In the survey of 1,00 U.S. men and women, age 18 and older, 47 percent of respondents said their stress levels are higher than they were six months ago. The number one source of stress: personal finance concerns, the top response for 49 percent of adults.
The stress survey, conducted by Booth Research and sponsored by The Ester-C Co., focused primarily on Americans’ self-reported sources of stress and methods for coping with stress, as well as the correlation between stress and physical health. In fact, 85 percent of respondents reported they believe stress weakens their body’s immune system; women were more likely than men to be aware of that connection.
Additional findings included:

• 58 percent of 35- to 44-year-olds reported high or very high levels of stress, compared to just 23 percent in the 55+ age group. Among 18 to 24 year-olds, 64 percent said they are more stressed now than just six months ago.
• Lack of sleep is the main effect of stress, cited by 55 percent of respondents. One-third said stress is impacting their physical health and personal relationships.
• Top stress coping mechanisms include exercise (50 percent), meditation/breathing techniques (28 percent) and taking a vacation (25 percent).