Saint Louis Is Stressed Out: Study

ST. LOUIS, MO — When it comes to stress, St. Louis is near the top of the list of U.S. cities, according to a new study from WalletHub. The credit report website compared 182 cities in 37 areas, from weekly work hours and debt load, to divorce and even traffic congestion. St. Louis rounded out the top ten.

At the top of the list was Detroit, Michigan, followed by Newark, New Jersey, and Cleveland, Ohio. The least-stressed cities in the country were Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Bismark, North Dakota, and Fremont, California.

One reason for St. Louis' high rank was the fact that its crime rates were the third highest in the country. The city scored better, though still not well, in work stress, financial stress, and health and safety stress categories.

Stressed at work? Employers can help reduce work-related stress by offering mediation or stress-management classes, said Courtney Keim, associate professor of psychology at Bellarmine Unviversity. Setting clear goals and giving employees choices and flexibility can also help, she said.

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If finances are stressing you out, try creating a detailed budget, or even using an app to manage your daily finances, said John K. Coffey, assistant professor of psychology at Sewanee University.

"People think that a raise will solve their finances problems, but they adapt to the new income and are back in the same spot unless they budget," he said, adding that maybe you should think twice about splurging on the latest and greatest smartphone every year.

"Research suggests these materialistic purchases can lead to financial strain (debt) and buyer’s remorse that prevents people from doing other things (e.g., going on vacation). They also do not make us happy for very long (everyone else gets the phone, or a newer model comes out), whereas spending on experiences (e.g., vacations) can be much more effective."

But maybe you can't afford that vacation either. So, what can you do to de-stress on a budget? It doesn't take much, says Point Loma Nazarene University psychology professor Max E. Butterflied.

"One of life's best kept secrets is that relaxation is a mindset, not a product," he said. "Research has borne this out over and over again. Sure, a pricey spa vacation or an all-inclusive resort can be relaxing, but why is that? Often, it's because they're completely removing the stresses of life. The phones are off, the hustle and bustle of work and routine is a distant memory, and your only responsibility is to enjoy yourself. All of this can be achieved on a budget as well. Plan a visit to a national park, immerse yourself in a new city, or take a staycation. Whatever you do, be sure to turn off your email for a while and focus on the moment and the people there with you."

Read WalletHub's full study here.

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