3.25.24 – KOAM – Payton Williams
April is Stress Awareness Month and as April approaches, experts at WalletHub is releasing its report on 2024’s Most & Least Stressed States.
The report compared the 50 states across 40 key indicators of stress to help find a solution to a more relaxing life. Data in the report ranges from average hours worked per week to the sleep routine of the average adult.
The report found what states have the most stress and Arkansas and Oklahoma made the top 10.
Most Stressed States
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- West Virginia
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- Texas
However, Missouri is 25 and Kansas is 35 on the list.
However, WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe, says stress can be reduced in many different ways.
“There are plenty of small ways for people to manage stress, from staying active and participating in hobbies to taking vacations from work and getting help from a mental health professional. What many people don’t realize, though, is that changing location can also be a big stress reducer. For example, states that have lower crime rates, better health care and better economies tend to have much less stressed residents,” says Happe
The report asked Professors from the University of Connecticut, Claremount McKenna College, and Northwestern University about how to manage stress levels.
Tips for Fighting Stress
- Exercise
- Go on a walk
- Do some art, writing
- Volunteering
- Get some sleep
- Develop healthier eating habits
Tips for Parents Minimizing Stress in Kids
- Creating a supportive environment
- Building a routine
- Communicating about current stressors
- Maintaining an adequate sleep schedule
- Making sure there is leisure time
To see the full report and find more tips to help reduce stress, click here.