How widespread stress is in German-speaking Switzerland

The average stress level in German-speaking Switzerland is 3.7 on a scale of 1 (very low) to 7 (very high). While 12% of respondents rate their stress level as high, one in five (24%) feel little to no stress. Everyday life is particularly challenging for people with care responsibilities: Both parents and people who look after relatives in need of care report significantly higher stress levels. "Care tasks are among the often invisible but enormously stressful stress factors that urgently deserve more social attention," says Andrea Berger, Research & Communications Manager at Marketagent.

Work, time pressure and finances as stress triggers

At 37% and 33% respectively, time pressure and financial worries are among the biggest stress factors in German-speaking Switzerland. More than three in ten people (32% in each case) are also stressed by the work survey and work, career and education in general. Teenagers and young adults feel the pressure of school, studies and the like particularly strongly: with 48% agreeing, this is by far the biggest stress trigger in the 14 to 29 age group.

Social media is stressful

The study clearly shows that a healthy lifestyle can help to alleviate stress. Participants with lower stress levels reported better eating, sleeping and exercise habits. People who pay attention to a healthy daily routine therefore benefit both physically and mentally. In contrast, constant digital accessibility appears to be a risk factor for mental health. People with higher stress levels are more likely to use their smartphone to check messages or calls. Intensive social media use also correlates with increased feelings of stress.

Reactions to stress

Stress leaves clear traces: irritability and impatience (55%) as well as sleep problems (45%) are the most common immediate reactions. It is particularly alarming that more than six out of ten respondents report long-term physical complaints such as sleep disorders, headaches or back pain (64%). This highlights the need for preventive measures.

Burnout: one in four feels at risk

One in five respondents (20%) had already experienced burnout themselves, and three in ten know someone affected in their own environment. "It is particularly worrying that 26% of the survey participants classify themselves as (rather) at risk of burnout - in the group with a high stress level, this figure is as high as 63%. These figures show how urgently society needs to change towards more prevention and support," emphasizes Thomas Schwabl, founder of Marketagent Switzerland.

Learn stress management

Almost one in two (49%) have already actively informed themselves about stress management. At the same time, around three quarters (73%) demand that stress management should be an integral part of schools and vocational training programs. "This is an opportunity to take a preventative approach and promote stress competence. The results clearly show that young people in particular are under enormous pressure due to the demands of school and work. Overall, more support and attention is needed to help them cope with these pressures," explains study director Silke Hirschberger.

Nature as the key to relaxation

Only just under half of German-speaking Swiss manage to maintain their composure in stressful situations (49%). Relaxation is also a challenge: Only 52% are able to relax very or fairly well, with only 18% managing to do so very well.

The most effective measures for coping with stress are spending time in nature and getting enough sleep - a good six out of ten respondents find these strategies particularly helpful. 45% also consciously use time out in nature in their everyday lives. 42% get enough sleep.

One in five people consciously make time for relaxation exercises every day. People with a low stress level are particularly successful at this - a third of them (33%) have firmly integrated these relaxation breaks into their daily routine. On the other hand, there is a worrying vicious circle: precisely those who need relaxation most urgently are unable to find space for it. In the group with a high stress level, 41% state that they would like to do relaxation exercises regularly, but are currently unable to incorporate them into their everyday lives.