Study: What stresses us out – and how we can help ourselves

Study: What stresses us out – and how we can help ourselves
Fabian Sommer/dpa/dpa-tmn

Wars, climate, stress in everyday life: there are many triggers for worry and stress. A current study also shows which strategies can help with coping.

What stresses and strains most people in Germany? And how do they deal with it? Many are worried about inflation (51 percent), followed by the political situation in Germany and internationally (45 percent) and the increasing division in society (44 percent), according to a representative study by the opinion research institute Ipsos in collaboration with the online therapy platform HelloBetter. Also frequently mentioned: the “shift to the right” (43 percent), the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine (41 percent), the climate crisis (40 percent) and the conflict between Israel and Gaza (35 percent). 41 percent are afraid of financial insecurity in old age.

Worries are particularly great in two generations

More than half of those surveyed said their worries had increased over the past twelve months.

Many people are also burdened by their own lives. 27 percent of those surveyed said they were overloaded by the sum of everyday demands in their job and private life. Generation Y (born between 1981 and 1995, 35 percent) and Generation Z (born between 1999 and 2010, 32 percent) are particularly affected. Women are also significantly more affected than men (31 percent versus 22 percent).

Feel the power of the trees: Some people recharge their batteries by taking a walk through the forest.
Feel the power of the trees: Some people recharge their batteries by taking a walk through the forest. (Andreas Drouve/dpa-tmn)

What helps with worries and stress?

But people also have strategies for how they can help themselves when everything becomes too much for them: When asked “What helps you when you are feeling bad mentally (for example, when you feel depressed, anxious or stressed)?” The respondents answered:

  • Being in nature: 39 percent said that spending time in nature, such as walks in the forest or simply being in the fresh air, helps them when they feel mentally bad. In fact, the effect has also been scientifically proven.

  • Listening to music: This helps 22 percent of those surveyed, whether at home or at concerts or festivals.

  • Family and relationships: For 25 percent of those surveyed, the family plays a major role in coping with stress and anxiety, while the relationship is an important resource for 20 percent.

  • Sport: 18 percent rely on physical activity to stabilize themselves emotionally.

  • Distract yourself: 17 percent of those surveyed say that they consciously distract themselves or think about positive things.

You can find inspiration here:

  • 6 ideas to get your mind off things
  • Stress management: These methods and exercises will help you
  • Do sports: This is how you find the right sport
  • Workout at home: 4 ideas for exercising in your own four walls

Contact person if you have any concerns

And who do people talk to about their worries? 37 percent talk to their partner. 41 percent of the women surveyed confide in a good friend or a close friend, compared to only 26 percent of men, according to the study.

On the Internet, for example in online forums and social media, one in ten people from generations Z and Y (16-28 and 29-43 years old) share their worries or stress.

Among older adults, 16 percent of Generation In comparison, younger people are more likely to talk to psychotherapists (15 percent of Gen Z and 13 percent of Gen Y respondents).

Read more on Techzle\.com:

  • Fear of the future: effective means to combat worries
  • 11 everyday things that everyone can do for the environment
  • You should read these 6 books on sustainability and climate

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