People over 30 ditching booze and junk food for healthier stress relievers

The average American feels the most stressed at 36 years old, new research suggests.

But fear not — the recent survey of 2,000 Americans over the age of 30 revealed that the average respondent is better at managing stress now than they were a decade ago.

According to the results, only 18% said they feel stressed “all the time.”

Even when they do, nearly two-thirds of respondents said they are better at relieving stress than 10 years ago, while a further 75% said that they have become more aware of the link between physical and mental or emotional stress.

Not only have respondents become better at relieving stress, but their methods have changed.

Pointing to a shift from reactive to more proactive management of stress, respondents have retired some of their old methods of de-stressing, such as drinking alcoholic beverages (31%) and eating junk food (29%).

Instead, the most popular forms of alleviating stress today include listening to music (46%), exercise (40%), watching movies or television (35%) and taking natural remedies and supplements (28%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of MitoQ, the study also revealed that Americans are utilizing clever ways to head stress off before it takes hold.

Thirty-five percent put on headphones to block distractions, while 30% exercise and 29% limit their screen time at the end of the day.

Nevertheless, more than half said they don't usually realize they’re stressed until it’s had a noticeable effect on their health — including sleep problems (50%), headaches (45%), food cravings (38%) and brain fog (34%).

It’s perhaps unsurprising, then, that there’s a growing awareness of the deeper effect stress can have on the body, with eight in 10 saying they are aware that stress can have an impact on their cellular health and the functioning of their body from the inside out.

“The human body is made of trillions of cells, and any external or internal aggressors affect those cells, causing cell stress, which is why you can experience downsides physically, mentally and emotionally,” says Mahara Inglis, CEO of cellular health company MitoQ. “It’s exciting to hear that 66% of those surveyed said they would be open to taking something to help their body at the cellular level."

What’s most causing stress amongst the average American? Money issues (52%), family problems (51%) and a high workload/demanding job (36%) were named the biggest stressors.

A further 74% said it’s harder for them to deal with external stressors when they have less energy.

Still, more than three-quarters noted that when they take care of themselves and their body via exercise, nutrition, hydration and other methods, they feel more equipped to deal with external stressors.

WHAT MAKES PEOPLE REALIZE THEY’RE STRESSED?

Sleep problems - 50%
Headache - 45%
Food cravings - 38%
High blood pressure - 37%
Brain fog - 34%
Changes in weight - 33%
Feel unmotivated - 32%
Upset stomach - 30%
Fatigue - 28%
More emotional - 24%