Recent studies have highlighted the increasing levels of stress experienced by many across the U.S., with Tennessee ranking as the most stressed state. A study by wellness brand Komowa used 16 key indicators of stress to evaluate and rank the most and least stressed states in America. The indicators included hours worked, credit card debt, divorce rates, commute times, and more.
The study categorized the key indicators into four main categories of stress: money, work, health, and family. Komowa utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to compile the ranking.
According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” poll, over a quarter of U.S. adults report being so stressed out on most days that it’s hard to function. Chronic stress can lead to a range of health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study by Komowa compared U.S. states based on various stress factors, highlighting the impact of stress on different regions. It revealed that residents of some states seem to be more stressed than others, shedding light on the prevalence and effects of chronic stress in different areas.
In a separate ranking by Data Wrapper, Tennessee also emerged as the most stressed-out state, followed by Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Nevada, and South Carolina. The rankings took into account the number of hours worked, earnings, commute time, working from home, and overall income. The findings suggest that these states experience higher levels of stress based on these factors.
The implications of chronic stress on mental and physical health are significant, and studies like these help identify areas where stress is particularly prevalent. Addressing the root causes of stress can contribute to the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals and communities.
As stress continues to be a widespread issue, understanding its effects and identifying the most stressed areas can guide efforts to provide necessary support and resources to those who may be struggling. By recognizing the impact of stress at a regional level, it becomes possible to implement targeted interventions and support systems to alleviate the burden of chronic stress on individuals and communities across the U.S.