The Stressed States of America, is a fitting name for the country we live in today. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of stress: in the news, in our conversations with friends and family, and even in our physical appearance. The events of the past few years- two years of Covid19, the ongoing war, record levels of inflation- have taken their toll on us. Our stress levels are higher than they have ever been before.
In this blog post, we will explore the impact that these events are having on our stress levels and discuss some ways to cope with this unprecedented level of stress.
The events of the past few years have taken a toll on our mental health. In a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2018, over half of Americans reported that their stress levels had increased in the past year. This number is likely even higher today, as the Covid19 pandemic has stretched on for two years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The economic impact of the pandemic has also been significant, with millions of Americans losing their jobs and many more struggling to make ends meet. In addition, the political climate in the United States is highly charged, with division among people on multiple fronts. All of these factors contribute to our stress levels and can have a negative impact on our mental health.
There are a number of ways to cope with stress. Some people find that exercise is helpful, while others prefer relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. Spending time with friends and family can also be soothing, and listening to calming music can help to relax the mind. It is important to find what works best for you and to make time for self-care. When our stress levels are high, it is easy to neglect our own needs, but this is exactly what we need to do in order to maintain our mental health.
The evolution of technology & stress
Technology has always played a role in our lives, but in recent years, it has become increasingly more important. We rely on technology to stay connected with friends and family, to get our work done, and to stay informed about the world around us. And while there are many benefits to using technology, there is also a downside: it can be a source of stress.
But, technology has also evolved to help us with our stress. Believe it or not, one of the ways it has been most helpful is in the area of stress relief. There are now countless apps and websites that offer relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, and these can be a great resource when we need to take a break from the stress of daily life.
Wearable Tech To Help Reduce Stress
There are many ways to cope with stress, and wearable technology and vagus nerve stimulation are two methods that have been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels.
Wearable health technology is a growing trend, and there are now many devices on the market that can help us track our physical activity, heart rate, and other health metrics. But, wearable technology can also be used to track our stress levels. Some devices come equipped with sensors that can measure our heart rate and galvanic skin response (GSR), which is a measure of how much we are sweating. This information can then be used to help us understand our stress levels and make changes in order to reduce them.
It is important to remember that we are not alone in our stress. Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the events of the past few years. It is ok to reach out for help, whether that is from a friend or family member, a therapist, or a support group. There is no shame in admitting that we need assistance in dealing with our stress and seeking out the resources that are available to us.
The events of the past few years have been difficult and stressful. It can be hard to cope with all the changes that are happening in our country and in the world. But it is important to remember that we are not alone. There are many others who are feeling stressed and anxious, and there are ways to cope with these feelings. We need to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally so that we can continue to live our lives in a healthy way despite the stressors that are present in our world. Check out this article, if you’re looking for some stress management techniques to help you on a day-to-day basis.
Thank you for reading! I hope this blog post provides some insight into the stressed states of America and offers some ways to cope with the stress that we are all experiencing. Stay healthy and stay strong!
