We know stress and anxiety can take a major toll in our personal and professional lives. And although many of us may lack the time or means to enjoy a long vacation each year, we can find nearby respite in community parks and green spaces. Exposure to nature, building connections with neighbors and vigorous exercise are all reliable ways to combat the harmful effects of stress, and according to the American Psychological Association’s latest Stress in America report, we certainly need the relief. Below, take a look at some of the report’s findings on how stress impacts our physical and mental health and what we’re doing to manage it.

32: Percentage of Americans who say that their financial state keeps them from living a healthy lifestyle.

2: The number of times people in lower-income households are more likely to say that concerns about money keep them from living a healthy lifestyle compared to those in higher-income households.

25: Percentage of people who report a sense of loneliness and isolation due to stress.

5.7: The level at which most parents rank their stress intensity on a 10-point scale.

20: Percentage of Americans who say they have no emotional support.

14: Percentage of Americans who say they could have used a lot more emotional support in the past year.

20: Percentage of Americans who say they never engage in an activity to help manage or relieve their stress.

43: Percentage of Americans who use exercising or walking as a stress management tool.

75: Percentage of Americans who report experiencing at least one symptom of stress in a given month.

 

Source: American Psychological Association: Stress in America

Marissa Bracamonte is an Editorial Intern for Parks & Recreation magazine.