According to the annual 2017 Stress in America Survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 63% of Americans say they are stressed out about the future of this nation. That’s even higher than money issues (62%) or work-related stress (61%). The survey also revealed that 59% said they “consider this the lowest point in US history that they can remember,” which is a conclusion that spans every generation, including those who lived through horrible events like the Vietnam war and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What’s more, the CEO of the APA says they are “seeing significant stress transcending party lines.”
Regardless of your political persuasion, the survey found that these are the most stress-causing issues for our nation:
Healthcare (43%)
Economy (35%)
Trust in government (32%)
Hate crimes (31%)
Crime (31%)
Terrorist attacks (30%)
That’s a lot of stress!
With the iTHRIVE Plan, we have numerous ways to de-stress and relax. We discuss the importance of spending time in nature, eating a healthy diet, hanging out with family and friends, and exercising. But there’s one more thing you can do this time of year to help alleviate this type of national stress highlighted in the Stress in America Survey and that’s to get out and vote. Voting is a fundamental right of every citizen in this great nation of ours. Especially when you are feeling stressed, remember that your vote represents your voice and it counts. Every vote matters.
So this time of year, during these critical mid-term elections, we encourage you to let your voice be heard. Get out and vote. In the process, you are not only exercising your fundamental right, but, by taking action, you will be alleviating some of your stress.
United States elections will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. It’s time to vote Thrivers!
Reference
American Psychological Association. Stress in America Survey. November 1, 2017. [https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/11/lowest-point.aspx]