A New Survey Shows That Stress Levels Are Rising Among Young Adults
A new survey has found that young adults are the most stressed-out generation, with more than half saying they have experienced stress symptoms in the past month.
The American Psychological Association’s annual Stress in America survey, released Wednesday, found that millennials — those aged 18 to 33 — report higher stress levels than any other age group.
And it’s not just millennials — stress levels are on the rise for all Americans. Forty percent of adults said their stress has increased in the past year.
The most common physical symptoms of stress reported by respondents were feeling overwhelmed (32%), feeling anxious or nervous (31%), and having headaches (14%).
The survey also asked people about the unhealthy behaviors they’ve resorted to in coping with stress. The most common ones were:
-Eating unhealthy food (59%)
-Watching too much television (42%)
-Sleeping too much (36%)
-Smoking cigarettes (19%)
-Drinking alcohol (13%)
While some of these behaviors may temporarily relieve stress, they can all lead to long-term health problems.
So what is causing all this stress?
Money
Money is one of the leading sources of stress for young adults. In a recent survey, more than 60% of respondents said that money was a significant source of stress. And it’s not hard to see why. Young adults are starting in life with more debt than ever before. Many young people struggle to make ends meet between student loans, credit cards, and other obligations. And even those employed are often worried about job security and making enough money to support themselves. With all of these financial concerns, it’s no wonder money is a significant source of stress for young adults.
Relationships
Relationships can be a great source of joy and support, but they can also be a source of stress. For many young adults, relationships are in a constant state of flux. People are getting married, divorced, moving together, and constantly breaking up. And even when things are going well, relationships can be a lot of work. If you’re constantly arguing with your partner or feeling like you’re not on the same page, it can be very stressful.
School or work
Whether you are still in school or have already entered the workforce, your school or work life is a source of stress. For students, there is pressure to do well and get good grades. And for working young adults, there’s the constant struggle of balancing work and home life. Many people feel like they’re never really able to relax and take a break from their responsibilities.
Economy
The current state of the economy is a source of stress for many young adults. In recent years, there have been a lot of ups and downs. And with so much uncertainty about the future, it’s no wonder that the economy is a source of stress for young adults.
If you are a young adult who is feeling stressed out, there are some things you can do to help you cope. Here are tips for dealing with stress:
Identify your stressors
The first step to managing stress is identifying the things causing you to feel stressed. Once you know your stressors, you can start to find ways to deal with them.
Make time for yourself
You should make time for yourself, even if it is only a few minutes each day. Dedicate some time to doing something that relaxes and rejuvenates you. This can vary from reading a book or taking a bath to going for a walk or listening to music.
Exercise
Exercising is a fantastic method to enhance your general health and reduce stress. Even just a few minutes of physical activity can help to release tension and make you feel better.
Connect with others
Spending time with loved ones or talking to a friend can help you feel supported and less alone in dealing with your stressors. Sometimes just talking about what’s causing you stress can help to lessen its impact.
Seek professional help
Learning how to cope with stress by yourself can be difficult. If you are struggling, consider seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist. These experts can teach you better ways to manage stress and support you when things are tough.
Stress is a normal part of life, but it can become overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to get professional assistance if you have trouble coping with stress. Many resources are available to assist you in managing stress and improving your mental health. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.