What Stresses Out Americans Most?

Eight in 10 Americans say politics are currently the biggest stressor in their life, according to a new report. A recent poll of 2,000 Americans revealed that 78 percent of respondents say politics is currently stressing them out more than anything else in their life. The current political climate topped everything as the biggest weight on our lives, but it wasn’t the only thing currently causing us anxiety. Thirty-seven percent said a health issue is presently giving them fits, while over a third of Americans (35 percent) pointed to their partner as a big current source of stress in their life. The study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of LIFEAID Beverage Co., found that over half of us are currently stressed out by work (51 percent) and money worries (51 percent). Over one in four Americans say their work commute is currently stressing them out, with nearly a third (29 percent) saying social media causing them distress. Another third (32 percent) say climate change is currently stressing them out. Two in three Americans (67 percent) say they’re so stressed right now that it’s causing them to be less productive at work. Dealing with all the stress can be quite problematic, too, as 69 percent of respondents say they tend to turn to “unhealthy” coping mechanisms. It can also be pricey: The average American was found to spend $960 annually directly on trying to feel less stressed. And if your current stress levels feel like they’ve never been higher, you aren’t alone. Sixty-eight percent of those polled say right now is the most stressed they’ve ever been in their entire life. And there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel: Two in three Americans polled (67 percent) said they don’t see their stress being relieved any time soon.

“Stress is both physical and mental, and one can easily exacerbate the other in extremely stressful times, even with regular exercise and a good diet. It’s important to find your center, and responsibly produced and marketed products with hemp can help you get there,” said Emily Sommariva, CMO for LIFEAID Beverage Co. “Our survey results tell us 51 percent of respondents strongly believe hemp offers stress relieving benefits. And hemp drinks are a convenient option. You can hang without the hangover, and feel in control — something everyone who is stressed out, wants more of.”

With the holidays coming up, that means it’s time for holiday-related stress to rear its ugly head. Shopping for gifts was found to be the most stressful part of the holidays, with 37 percent it causes them stress. The act of visiting family was also atop the list (36 percent), along with cooking (34 percent), as well as crowds and lines (30 percent.) Even the receiving gifts was found to be a pretty big stressor for nearly one in three respondents (31 percent). Sadly, two-thirds of Americans say the stress they’re currently experience is actually dampening their holiday spirit.

“The negative effects of stress are cumulative, which is why you have to address stressful factors in your life methodically,” said Sommariva.