How stressed do you feel in this moment? Very Zen? The average American feels like their head is spinning 156 times a year from stress, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals, found that these stress headaches break down to three times a week and that "brain fog" occurs just as often.
Looking at their current stress levels, the survey found that 41% of respondents -- nearly 2 in 5 -- are at their peak stress for the year so far.
While 30% are hopeful that their stress level will go down by the end of the year, the survey shows a quarter think there's a chance it'll actually go up (26%).
All that aside, 45% have never taken a mental health day or sick day from work solely because of stress.
Comparing their stress levels to previous years, 38% of those surveyed said that 2024 has been more stressful than 2023, but less so than 2022 and the preceding years. The survey shows respondents can't stop thinking about their finances (35%), the economy (28%) and their physical health (25%).
Respondents know they're stressed when they have trouble sleeping (42%), feel irritable (37%), fatigued (34%), have headaches (33%) or feel worried or paranoid (31%), according to the survey.
As for how they deal with these high-intensity moments, the survey shows 47% turn on some music, another 39% look for comfort in their favorite TV shows and movies, and nearly a fifth of respondents have a snack (17%) or drink a cup of tea (14%).
"Half of those surveyed believe that stress is often the main cause of them getting sick," Kristel Corson, chief marketing officer at Traditional Medicinals, said in a statement. "With cold and flu season approaching, self care and stress management are more important than ever."
Seven in 10 agree that their overall mental health would be better if they were able to reduce their stress (71%), yet incorporating self-care strategies into their daily life is a hurdle for one in seven Americans, according to the survey.
Most Common Stress Symptoms
Trouble sleeping — 42%
Irritability — 37%
Fatigue — 34%
Headaches — 33%
Feeling worried/paranoid — 31%
Inability to focus — 30%
Restlessness — 29%
Racing thoughts — 27%
Brain fog/mental unclarity — 23%
Panic attacks — 23%
What's Stressing Americans Out?
Personal finances — 35%
The economy — 28%
Physical health — 25%
Family — 25%
Mental health — 24%
The 2024 presidential election — 20%
The news/world issues — 19%
Work — 16%
An unexpected life event — 15%
Romantic relationship — 13%
The survey was commissioned by Traditional Medicinals and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 29 and Aug. 5, 2024.