Stress written on paper with red pencil point breaking

Photo by Pedro Figueras on Pexels.com

NEW YORK — In a year marked by financial worries and political tension, a new survey has uncovered the staggering impact of stress on everyday Americans. The average person feels their head “spinning” from stress a whopping 156 times per year, translating to about three times a week.

This alarming statistic is just one of many eye-opening findings from a recent study conducted by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals. The survey, which polled 2,000 adults, also found that 41% of respondents are currently experiencing their peak stress levels for the year.

Even more concerning, Americans say they experience brain fog with the same frequency as stress headaches – three times a week. While 30% of those surveyed remain hopeful that their stress levels will decrease by year’s end, a quarter (26%) fear their stress might actually increase. Despite these high stress levels, a surprising 45% of respondents have never taken a mental health day or sick day from work solely due to stress.

2024: A Year of Heightened Stress

Comparing stress levels to previous years, 38% of survey participants believe that 2024 has been more stressful than 2023, although it’s been less stressful than 2022 and prior years. The primary sources of anxiety this year include finances (35%), the economy (28%), physical health (25%), the 2024 presidential election (20%), and other world issues (19%).

“With cold and flu season approaching, self-care and stress management are more important than ever. Half of those surveyed believe that stress is often the main cause of them getting sick, and when asked what season is most stressful, the highest percentage of respondents (26%) said winter given seasonal changes and the holidays,” says Kristel Corson, chief marketing officer at Traditional Medicinals, in a statement.

The average average person feels their head “spinning” from stress a whopping 156 times per year. (Photo by Kateryna Onyshchuk on Shutterstock)

Americans also noted various signs that reveal they’re stressed, including trouble sleeping (42%), irritability (37%), fatigue (34%), headaches (33%), and feeling worried or paranoid (31%). To combat stress, many turn to music (47%) or seek comfort in favorite TV shows and movies (39%). Some find solace in snacking (17%) or enjoying a cup of tea (14%).

A staggering 71% of respondents agree that their overall mental health would improve if they could reduce their stress levels. However, incorporating self-care strategies into daily life remains a challenge for one in seven Americans. Nearly half (47%) express a desire for simple stress-reduction options that fit into their busy schedules rather than elaborate routines. When considering a “de-stressing regimen,” respondents are equally split between wanting long-term overall wellness and the ability to alleviate stress quickly (23% each).

“We believe in integrating ancient herbal wisdom with modern scientific advancements for a holistic approach to wellness,” Corson says. “Just 37 percent of survey respondents think that trendy stress relief options are successful, while nearly half felt confident in more traditional methods like yoga, meditation, or a calming tea.”

Survey methodology

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Traditional Medicinals and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 29 and Aug. 5, 2024.

About StudyFinds Analysis

Called "brilliant," "fantastic," and "spot on" by scientists and researchers, our acclaimed StudyFinds Analysis articles are created using an exclusive AI-based model with complete human oversight by the StudyFinds Editorial Team. For these articles, we use an unparalleled LLM process across multiple systems to analyze entire journal papers, extract data, and create accurate, accessible content. Our writing and editing team proofreads and polishes each and every article before publishing. With recent studies showing that artificial intelligence can interpret scientific research as well as (or even better) than field experts and specialists, StudyFinds was among the earliest to adopt and test this technology before approving its widespread use on our site. We stand by our practice and continuously update our processes to ensure the very highest level of accuracy. Read our AI Policy (link below) for more information.

Our Editorial Process

StudyFinds publishes digestible, agenda-free, transparent research summaries that are intended to inform the reader as well as stir civil, educated debate. We do not agree nor disagree with any of the studies we post, rather, we encourage our readers to debate the veracity of the findings themselves. All articles published on StudyFinds are vetted by our editors prior to publication and include links back to the source or corresponding journal article, if possible.

Our Editorial Team

Steve Fink

Editor-in-Chief

John Anderer

Associate Editor

Leave a Reply

16 Comments

  1. Larry says:

    I feel very stress free But I am a functioning alcoholic so maybe that is the reason.

  2. Mrs. Palmer says:

    Most are overly stressed because most are working 2 or 3 jobs just to scrape by. We have monumental stress from not only our primary job (with it’s unrealistic expectations) but also our extra jobs. I don’t call them “side hustles” because the secondary and tertiary jobs are JUST as demanding as Job 1. They are JOBS and NOBODY in the USA should have to work more than ONE job to be able to live a comfortable life covering all the basics plus healthcare PLUS the ability to save money for retirement.

  3. Atillathehoney says:

    Communism is stressful. Want more? Vote demonrat.

    1. seldomseensmith says:

      You need to remove your head from your cult, and you may have a small part of Trump, about the size of an index finger, inside another smelly orifice

    2. Ducky says:

      Awww, poor widdle baby ????????

  4. chowtheyrun123 says:

    What goes around, comes around. Donald Trump is reaping what he has sown: Chaos, division, hatred, bigotry and racism. Vote Blue in November in droves to get rid of an 78-year-old, unhinged, convicted felon and the scourge that has infected the entire nation for the last eight-plus years.

  5. dammitt says:

    What a bunch of whiners.

  6. JohnD says:

    Get rid of your TV and get a hobby. Leftist biased news is making people angry.

    1. PrivateIdaho says:

      Hilarious. When my uncle had quadruple bypass surgery, the cardiologist told my aunt to keep him from watching FoxNews.

  7. Elvin Laton says:

    If one only has lies promulgated to them upon which they construct “their reality,” then the delusional will prevent them from having peace. There is no peace in delusions.
    Know Jesus Christ and know peace.

  8. bellerian1 says:

    Willfully unaccountable Fed gov policies that hurt the American Tax Payer and reward Illegals will do that to a Nation.

  9. John Snell says:

    its the government.

  10. Fool on the Hill says:

    The orange mega charlaton with his endless twisted lies given credibility by MSM is so stressful. He’s an ongoing nightmare that won’t end. Truth and decency have been rendered obsolete. All is a competition of lies and bullcrap. The smarter we can be the dumber we get. Unbelievable.

  11. Crotte says:

    The MSM with its created stories not news a big contributor to the problem.

    1. eat says:

      Put down the coffee, why worry? We don’t have missiles landing in our backyard like Israel does.

  12. I Don't Drink Tea says:

    Of course…a calming tea, brought to you by Traditional Medicinals…