According to a new report from personal finance website WalletHub, West Virginia is the country’s fourth most stressed state. The findings, released during Stress Awareness Month, highlight a variety of factors that contribute to national stress levels.
WalletHub analyzed all 50 states using 40 key metrics, such as work hours, financial stability, and health outcomes. West Virginia scored high in several stress-related categories:
- 18th in average hours worked per week
- 2nd in adults getting adequate sleep
- 2nd in percentage of adults in fair or poor health
- 8th in job security
- 8th in median credit score
- 4th in percentage of population living in poverty
- 7th in divorce rate
West Virginia’s high poverty rate and poor health rankings contribute significantly to its overall stress level. The state also struggles with job security and credit scores, which exacerbates many residents’ financial burdens.
There are plenty of small ways for people to manage stress, from staying active and participating in hobbies to taking vacations from work and getting help from a mental health professional. States that have lower crime rates, better health care and better economies tend to have much less stressed residents.”
WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo
Experts recommend simple, low-cost stress management techniques such as going for short walks, engaging in hobbies, and practicing mindfulness.
Financial stress, a major contributor to overall well-being, can be alleviated by creating a budget, reducing unnecessary expenses, and utilizing available resources such as job training programs.
