Pennsylvania and New Jersey rank among the most stressed states in America. I’m shocked! While there are a myriad of things that can cause stress, according to WalletHub, issues as well as stress levels vary from state to state.

Everyone feels stress from time to time. Anything from everyday responsibilities like work and family to serious life events such as divorce, a new health diagnosis, or the death of a loved one can trigger stress.

Sure, stress can be a good thing. It can help you stay alert and motivated in dangerous or challenging situations. However, when you feel stressed all the time, it can harm your health. Stress can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and headaches.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, it is important to seek help. If you live in Pennsylvania or New Jersey it certainly doesn’t mean you need to move. Maybe just making small lifestyle changes can help with your stress levels.

There are many resources available to help people manage stress, including therapy, medication, and support groups. Look through the lists below for common causes of stress as well as little things you can do to alleviate stress in your life.

• Here are the top five according to University Hospitals:

  Death of a loved one: This is one of the most stressful life events. It can cause grief, sadness, and anxiety.

  Divorce: This can be a very stressful time, both emotionally and financially.

  Moving: This can be a stressful experience, especially if you have young children or a lot of belongings.

  Major illness or injury: This can be a very stressful time, both for you and your family.

  Job loss: This can be a very stressful time, especially if you have a family to support.

  University Hospitals

• If you are feeling stressed, there are things you can do to cope.

  Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic:

  Get Active: Physical activity pumps up your  endorphins, or the natural chemicals in your body that enhance your sense of well being. Experts say any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever, so get out there and walk, ride a bike, do some gardening, even housecleaning!

  Eat a Healthy Diet: Try to eat a rainbow every meal! That gives you a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

  Meditate: Meditation helps you focus your attention and shush the mass of crazy thoughts that swarm your head. And you can do it anywhere. Take a couple minutes at work, while you’re driving, walking, and before bed or when you wake up.

  Connect with Others: When I’m in a crummy mood, the last thing I want to do is be around others, but that’s exactly what I need! Social contact is a good stress reliever because it: offers distraction and provides support.

  Keep a Journal: People who journal say it’s cathartic. Getting what’s in your head out and on paper is like spring cleaning for your mind. And remember, no one else needs to read it, so let it loose!

  Seek Counseling: Just as writing can help, there’s nothing like allowing a therapist into your head to do the cleaning for you.  What’s great about a therapist is there’s no judgment.  Whatever you’re afraid to tell your friend or spouse you can tell your therapist with the confidence that what happens in your session stays there.

• Most Stressed States

  1. Mississippi
  2. Louisiana
  3. New Mexico
  4. West Virginia
  5. Nevada
  6. Arkansas
  7. Alabama
  8. Kentucky
  9. Texas
  10. Oklahoma

• Least Stressed States

  1. Minnesota
  2. Utah
  3. New Hampshire
  4. South Dakota
  5. Massachusetts
  6. Iowa
  7. New Jersey
  8. Connecticut
  9. North Dakota
  10. Virginia

• What about Pennsylvania, Delaware?

  Pennsylvania ranks at number 31st most stressed state and Delaware is number 29.

  

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