Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans felt that 2020 was the most stressful year of their lives, and 57% admitted to being more stressed than they’ve ever been.
To see how individuals are dealing with the nearly year-long pandemic, OnePoll surveyed 12,500 Americans about the stress levels and factors in their lives.
“[2020] brought about many unexpected stresses,” said Harel Shapira, whose company helped fund the research. “People are feeling stressed about everything, be it their jobs, finances, politics, holidays, or the pandemic. When people are overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious, they just don’t feel like themselves.”
Based on time worrying per day, Missouri residents were the most stressed citizens in the country, followed by Mississippi and West Virginia. At the opposite spectrum, the Heartland states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa comprised the least stressed states in the union.
While the COVID virus was among the top stressors in the recent year, money and politics were the reasons most often cited for causing stress. While 38% of respondents mentioned a lack of savings, 35% expressed concern about the current state of the country, and another 30% stressed over the November election.
There was, however, some good news out of the report, as nearly half of those surveyed said they had learned new ways to cope with their stress.
“Acknowledging the everyday situations that create occasional stress and anxiety, and knowing there are simple measures that can be taken to be more successful in dealing with it is key to working through these moments successfully,” Shapira said.
Physical activity, such as walking, television, and reading were just a few recommendations presented to reduce stress.
5 Bible Verses to Manage Your Stress
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Luke 12:25: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Psalm 94:19: “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
