Missouri Is Most Stressed US State, Survey Says

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. unanticipated / ˌʌn ænˈtɪs əˌpeɪ tɪd / (adj) – not expected to happen
    Example:

    The outdoor event was going smoothly until an unanticipated rainstorm caused the guests to run for cover.


  2. stressor / ˈstrɛs ər / (n) – something that causes worry or anxiety
    Example:

    Some workplace stressors include deadlines and noisy coworkers.


  3. overwhelm / ˌoʊ vərˈwɛlm / (v) – to have large amounts of something to deal with
    Example:

    The multiple tasks and assignments overwhelmed our new employee.


  4. induce / ɪnˈdus / (v) – to cause something to happen or exist
    Example:

    This medicine might induce sleepiness.


  5. bout / baʊt / (n) – a short length of time in which someone suffers from something or is involved in an activity
    Example:

    The doctor advised me to take painkillers when I experience bouts of muscle pain.


Article

Read the text below.

A recent survey has revealed that Missouri has the most stressed citizens in the United States.


The survey was conducted by OnePoll on behalf of anti-stress supplement Natrol Relaxia. A total of 12,500 respondents participated in the survey, with 250 representatives from each state.


Based on the survey, Missouri is the most stressed state, with residents spending an average of 3 hours and 18 minutes a day worrying. Mississippi ranked second, with residents worrying for 3 hours and 12 minutes, while West Virginia ranked third, with 3 hours and 6 minutes spent being worried. Georgia, Louisiana, and Vermont tied for fourth on the list.


Natrol Relaxia Marketing Director Harel Shapira said that 2020 brought about many unanticipated problems and causes of stress. Finances were listed as the top stressor in the country. The ongoing pandemic, politics, and other significant events last year also overwhelmed many people.


In 2021, finances are still the top stressor for Americans, with 39% of respondents reporting that they were stressed about a lack of savings. Twenty-eight percent of respondents were worried about their loved ones getting sick with the coronavirus, and 24% were stressed about unemployment.


The survey also showed some positive results. For instance, 48% of the respondents said they had learned new ways to cope with stress. Another 43% believed they could better handle situations that induce stress in the future. To manage stress, most of the respondents turned to doing physical exercise, watching TV shows and movies, and reading.


According to Shapira, acknowledging stressful day-to-day situations and being aware of simple measures to successfully deal with them are essential in working through bouts of stress and anxiety.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Aside from those mentioned in the article, what are other ways to deal with stress (e.g. spending time in nature, sleeping)? Discuss.
• What do you think is the top stressor among people in your country? Explain.

Discussion B

• Do you agree that the pandemic helped people learn better ways to deal with stress? Why or why not?
• Do you agree that acknowledging stressful situations can help people deal with stress better? Why or why not?