A new study finds that the average American feels stress-related lightheadedness 156 times a year.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that stress-related headaches occurred about three times a week, and respondents recalled feeling brain fog just as often.
In the survey, when asked about their current stress levels, 41% said that their stress has reached its peak so far this year.
Conducted by Talker Research Traditional medicineThe survey results found that while 30% of respondents expect their stress levels to decrease by the end of the year, a quarter (26%) believe their stress levels are likely to increase.
However, 45% of respondents have never taken a mental health leave or sick day due to stress alone.
Comparing stress levels to previous years, 38% of those surveyed said 2024 was more stressful than 2023, but less stressful than 2022 or previous years.
What’s exacerbating their worries this year? Respondents can’t help but think about finances (35%), the economy (28%) and physical health (25%).
Others are burdened by the news situation, particularly the 2024 presidential election (20%) and other world issues (19%).
“With cold and flu season fast approaching, self-care and stress management are more important than ever,” says Christelle Corson, chief marketing officer at Traditional Medicinals. “Half of those surveyed believe that stress is often the main cause of illness. And when asked which season is the most stressful, the highest percentage of respondents (26%) cited winter due to seasonal changes and holidays.”
Respondents know they are stressed when they experience sleep problems (42%), irritability (37%), fatigue (34%), headaches (33%), and anxiety or paranoia (31%).
When we look at how Americans are dealing with these stressful moments, we find that the majority (58%) feel overwhelmed during these times.
Forty-seven percent of people listen to music (47%), and another 39% find solace in their favorite TV shows or movies.
Food has a calming effect, with almost a fifth of respondents saying they eat a snack (17%) or drink tea (14%) when they need to de-stress.
Seven in 10 people agree that their overall mental state would be better if they could reduce stress (71%), highlighting the need for self-care habits as a key part of resolving stress.
However, incorporating self-care strategies into daily life remains a hurdle for one in seven Americans, with nearly half (47%) preferring simple options that fit into their busy schedules rather than elaborate routines.
When thinking about “stress relief,” equal numbers of respondents (23% each) want long-term overall wellness and the ability to quickly reduce stress.
“We believe in blending ancient herbal wisdom with modern scientific advances for a holistic approach to wellness,” says Corson, “while only 37% of survey respondents believe trendy stress relief methods are effective, nearly half feel more confident in more traditional methods like yoga, meditation and calming teas.”
The most common symptoms of stress
- Sleep problems — 42%
- Frustrated — 37%
- Fatigue — 34%
- Headache — 33%
- Feeling anxious/paranoid — 31%
- Can’t concentrate — 30%
- Restlessness — 29%
- Rapidly changing thoughts — 27%
- Brain fog/mental clarity — 23%
- Panic attacks — 23%
What is stressing Americans out?
- Personal Finance — 35%
- Economy — 28%
- Physical health — 25%
- Family — 25%
- Mental health — 24%
- 2024 Presidential Election — 20%
- News/World Affairs — 19%
- Work — 16%
- Unexpected life events — 15%
- Romantic relationships — 13%
Research Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans from the general public. The survey was commissioned by Traditional Medicinals and administered online by Talker Research from July 29 to August 5, 2024.
