Nordic Health Report 2024: 84% live with stress

Introduction

According to If Nordic Health Report 2024 experiencing 88% of Northerners stress in some form, and a full 4 in 10 have suffered from prolonged stress for more than six months. This is up from 83% in 2023.

In this article, we'll go over what negative stress is, what causes it, what symptoms it causes, and how you can manage it for a better well-being.

What is negative stress?

Stress is a natural reaction that helps us cope with challenges and pressured situations. In small amounts, stress can be good for us — it can help us perform better and keep us alert. However, when stress becomes prolonged and the body does not receive adequate recovery, it can have serious consequences on our health.

Negative stress occurs when we feel imbalance between requirements and resources, which affects both our psychological and physical well-being. Statistics show that 42% of Northerners experience that their ability to work is negatively affected by mental illness.

Causes of negative stress

According to the latest research, there are three main factors that contribute to long-term stress:

1. Work-related stress

• High demands and short deadlines
• Low control over own tasks
• Conflicts in the workplace
• Uncertain employment

Stress at work is one of the biggest causes of increased sick leave. In the Nordic countries, many people state that the work-life balance is one of the main stressors.

Did you know that?
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✓ Women are more stressed than men, a trend that has worsened in recent years.
✓ 45% of respondents have low confidence that the public health service can offer prompt assistance in non-emergency conditions.

2. Privacy and financial concerns

In addition to work-related stress, almost 50% of northerners that they worry more about their finances today compared to last year. Constantly being anxious about finances can lead to anxiety and sleep problems.

Other common stressors in private life are:

• Imbalance between work and family life
• Relationship problems and divorces
• Care of relatives
• Economic worries and rising cost of living

3. Unhealthy lifestyle and external factors

Lack of exercise, poor diet and screen time are increasingly being linked to negative stress. In today's digital society, we are constantly connected, which makes it difficult for us to relax. Too much screen time can impair sleep quality and thus exacerbate stress-related problems.

Common symptoms of negative stress

Prolonged stress affects both the body and the mind. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Mental symptoms

✔️ Anxiety and worry
✔️ Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently)
✔️ Difficulty concentrating
✔️ Depressed mood, irritation and emotional exhaustion

Physical symptoms

✔️ High blood pressure and palpitations
✔️ Muscle tension and headache
✔️ Stomach problems such as IBS and nausea
✔️ Chronic fatigue and lack of energy

How can you deal with negative stress?

Managing stress is about creating a better balance in everyday life and finding methods to reduce the load. Here are some proven strategies to control and reduce stress:

1. Creating a work-life balance

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
• Avoid bringing work home.
• Schedule regular breaks during the working day.

Facts:
4 out of 10 northerners states that they can pay for private health services if it can improve their well-being and reduce stress.

2. Prioritize sleep and recovery

• Create an evening routine for better sleep.
• Reduce screen time before bedtime.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol late at night.

Poor sleep is directly linked to higher stress levels and impaired immune systems. Sleep problems are the most commonly reported symptom in negative stress.

3. Exercise, diet and nutrition

• Regular exercise reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and releases endorphins.
• A healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 can improve the brain's resistance to stress.
• Research shows that a balanced gut flora can positively affect brain stress levels (Source).

4th. Stress Management and Mindfulness

• Meditation and deep breathing can lower cortisol levels.
• Yoga and stretching exercises help the body relax.
• Writing a diary can help you structure your thoughts.

5. Professional help and social support

• 47% of northerners seek professional help in case of mental illness.
• 30% Talking to his family about his problems.
• 22% turns to a friend.

Talking about your stress with someone who listens and understands is one of the most effective ways to reduce mental strain.

Summary

According to If Nordic Health Report 2024 A majority of Northerners experience negative stress in their everyday lives.

Higher demands from the world of work, economic turmoil and lack of recovery are some of the biggest factors affecting health. Statistics show that women are more affected than men and that the need for better private care and stress management is increasing.

By improving work-life balance, prioritizing sleep and physical activity, and finding effective stress management strategies, you can improve your health and well-being.