APA Survey Shows Stress at Peak Levels: Follow simple steps to protect your emotional well-being.

Posted Apr 13, 2021 by Rick

In an annual survey of stress in America conducted in January of this year, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that “84% of adults reported feeling at least one emotion associated with prolonged stress in the prior two weeks.” The most common feelings being expressed were anxiety, sadness and anger according to APA.

The survey of American adults found 3 major issues causing increased stress levels:

• The future of the country (81%).
• The pandemic (80%); and,
• Political unrest around the country (74%).

And the results seem to be consistent, regardless of a respondent’s politics. According to APA respondents reported stress emotions at nearly identical levels regardless of political affiliation with Democrats at 85%, Republicans and Independents citing stress levels nearly as high (83%).

So, what can we do? There are some steps you can consider taking to help reduce your stress and anxiety according to the APA. They include:

• Take frequent “mini-breaks” during your day. We believe you can “schedule” a minute or two every hour to get up, walk around or just take a few deep breaths to relax.
• Keep a “Success Journal.” You might decide to write down 3 good things that happened at the end of each day. This practice can help us focus on the good – and not solely on the stresses and uncertainties in these times.
• Practice intentional “social support.” Take steps to ensure that you’re staying connected with family and friends. Schedule time for Zoom happy hours. Reach out and call friends just to say hi or meet for a socially distanced cup of coffee. Intentionally take the time to find support and outlets for your worries – while you offer the same support to others.

These are times of great uncertainty. Change is happening so quickly that it is hard to keep up. Taking intentional steps to cope is important for you emotional and physical health.

Make a plan – and follow it. You’ll feel better and help those who depend on you do the same!

You can find all the details of the APA survey and their tips for coping here: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/02/adults-stress-pandemic