According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America” poll, more than a quarter of U.S. adults report experiencing stress levels so high that it impairs their daily functioning. While stress can be a normal part of life, chronic stress can lead to a host of health issues, including insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, and a weakened immune system, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To delve deeper into this phenomenon, wellness brand Komowa conducted a study ranking the most and least stressed states in America. Analyzing 16 key indicators of stress, including hours worked, credit card debt, divorce rates, and commute times, the company categorized these indicators into four main stress categories: money, work, health, and family.
Using data from reputable sources such as the CDC, U.S. Census Bureau, and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Komowa unveiled some surprising findings. Notably, two of the nation’s most populous states, New York and California, did not crack the top 10 most stressed states list. Instead, they landed at 24th and 25th place, respectively.
Despite having the longest average commute time of 33.2 minutes, New York didn’t rank highest for the most hours worked; that honor went to Louisiana, with an average of 44.3 hours per week. Alaska topped the charts for the highest average credit card debt ($7,338), while Wisconsin boasted the lowest average debt ($4,808).
However, the top spot for the most stressed state in America went to Tennessee. High levels of health stress contributed significantly to its ranking, with the state ranking third in depression prevalence at 24.4%. Additionally, 15.5% of Tennessee residents reported their physical health being subpar for more than 14 days a month. The Volunteer State also ranked third for the most hours worked, with an average of 42.3 hours per week.
Joining Tennessee in the top 10 most stressed states were Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Nevada, South Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, West Virginia, and Indiana. Alabama, ranked second overall, faced challenges in both work and health stress categories, with residents working longer hours, earning less, and experiencing higher divorce rates. Oklahoma, ranked third, grappled with health stress, particularly concerning healthcare access and depression prevalence.
As stress continues to affect individuals across the nation, resources such as CNBC’s online course, “How to Ace Your Job Interview,” offer guidance on navigating professional challenges. With insights into hiring manager expectations, body language techniques, and effective communication strategies, individuals can equip themselves for success in the job market.
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