Stress is a common reaction to concerns about money, work, family and relationships in a world of economic and job uncertainty, marriage breakdown and fractured love affairs. Despite these high-anxiety times, the American Psychological Association announced in January that reported stress has declined. But in fact, it is perception that has changed.
In a survey of 1,226 adults ages 18 and older, on a 10-point scale where 1 is little or no stress and 10 is high stress, the association’s Stress in America survey reported that during the past five years, average stress levels went from 6.2 in 2007 to 5.2 in 2011. The biggest drop was noted among baby boomers, who stated that healthy stress levels went from 4.5 in 2007 to 3.4 in 2011. The manageable stress movement is taking root.
Teri L. Bourdeau, a professor at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, said:
“The survey findings may have to do with the increased engagement in physically challenging and engaging activities. There are many more programs being offered for people in the boomer and older age group — not surprising because of the higher numbers and longer lifespan.
“In addition, there are more people working later in life and thus are more engaged in activities that require cognitive engagement and socializing. It is well-known that good social supports aid in management of stress.”
Although the top stressors remain unchanged — money, work, relationships and health — people are better adapting to the status quo.
With the economy, which continues to be the biggest stressor, worry often results in anger, blame, depression and lack of sleep. Dr. William Hurt Sledge, professor of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, talked of attitude change:
“Some people reach out to each other and actually become more generative and generous, bringing a sense that whatever awful things happen, they will endure with the good that they have.”
In terms of work and personal relationships, the easiest solution is one that most people shy away from — talking to each other in a “let’s find a solution to this” manner.
Other simple ways to reduce stress include caring touch, massage and even a good old-fashioned hug. Additionally, research supports the value of walking and activities for both body and mind that one enjoys, perhaps fishing or gardening.
Nonetheless, if you find yourself at the “blood boiling point,” ask your physician about medication and stress-management techniques. It was often believed that managing stress meant either changing the situation or changing one’s response to it. At a time when changing the situation is difficult to impossible, the new mantra — “I’m stressed. Aren’t we all?” — appears to be working.
Rita Watson, ( ritawatson.com ), is a regular contributor to The Providence Journal and a relationship columnist for the All About You section.
Copyright 2012 Rita Watson/ All Rights Reserved
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