Study reveals emotional toll women quietly carry
From worrying about them to feeling empathy for their struggles and working to provide a solution, a survey of 2,000 women split evenly by generation revealed that 73% shoulder their loved ones anxieties.
In fact, 72% of those women admit that they feel societal and internal pressure to take on this emotional labor.
Only 18% of women are "very open" with friends and family about their own stress levels and another 52% admit they often fake being "fine" when they aren't.
On top of assuming the stress of others and internalizing their anxieties, the average woman feels stressed five hours per day, or about 21% of her day. The younger generations are feeling even more stressed than the older ones as both Gen Z and millennials average six hours per day.
While 10% of women say that stress starts along with their morning routine, 15% admit they feel it the moment they open their eyes in the morning. For Gen X specifically, that moment lingers and officially strikes around midday (16%).
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Florastor, results also revealed that generationally, Gen Z is most likely to be stressed by work (37%) and, or relationships with men (19%), whereas 21% millennials are overwhelmed when they need to talk on the phone. Gen X is most stressed when it comes to their physical health (31%) and 30% baby boomers admit it's the news that gets them troubled.
High stress levels impact other aspects of women's health, including their quality of sleep (44%), their ability to focus (34%) and have a negative effect on their mental health (34%).
Others experience digestive upset (21%) or bloating and constipation (15%). Of those, 43% envision their gut would send them a "Girl, you need to chill" DM during a stress meltdown.
Gut health and stress are like gasoline and fire, as 46% of women say it's a two-way street and experiencing digestive issues affects their stress levels.
Results also found that it isn't just their health that takes a hit. Stress levels impact women's ability to plan ahead for the future, as they're too focused on just getting through the day (28%).
On top of that, women find that they spend less time with family and friends (26%), aren't able to pursue their hobbies (26%) or feel less connected to their partner (21%).
Carving out "me time" (36%), taking a walk (35%) or shower (30%), along with trying to get eight hours of sleep (30%) and playing with their pet(s) (27%) are some of the top ways women combat their stress.
And they may be onto something: The average woman believes these approaches decrease their stress levels by nearly two-thirds (63%).
"Your body is like a vibrant, bustling city - every system, every function working together in perfect harmony," said Bindu Shah, Chief Marketing Officer Biocodex USA. "But when stress and life's challenges hit, it's like a power outage or gridlock in your inner city. Everything slows down, and balance is disrupted. That's why maintaining your physical and mental health is essential - it helps keep your inner city resilient, thriving, and ready for whatever comes its way."
The survey also found that 63% of women even believe that their stress levels are equal to or higher than those of the men in their lives.
Even beyond those they know, women also compared their stress levels to celebrities that have had a tough go within the past year.
The top five celebrities women believe have had the hardest time are also women, with results showing that they think Britney Spears has had the most stressful past year or so (21%), double the amount who selected Ben Affleck (10%) or Justin Baldoni (8%).
When thinking about what these celebrities have experienced, three in 10 women surveyed believe their stress levels this year are even higher than Spears.
To give others a glimpse into what their stress feels like, respondents identified some of the songs that best describe their stress levels: "Toxic" by Britney Spears (12%), "Numb" by Linkin Park (20%), "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie (18%) as well as "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift (17%).
At the end of the day, 60% of those polled believe that it's more stressful to be a woman in 2025 than ever before.
"Results found that stress for women is so intense that 26% of women surveyed would delete social media or sleep on the floor (14%) just to decrease their levels by half," said Shah. "It speaks volumes about how urgently women are seeking relief. Too often, stress builds up beneath the surface - disrupting everything from sleep to digestion. Finding healthy ways and a wellness-centered daily routine to manage stress isn't just helpful - it's essential to keeping all facets of the body running smoothly."
WHAT SONGS BEST DESCRIBE AMERICANS' STRESS LEVELS?
"Numb" by Linkin Park - 20%"Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie - 18%"Stressed Out" by Twenty One Pilots - 18%"Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift - 17%"I'm So Tired" by The Beatles - 14%"Toxic" by Britney Spears - 12%"Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer - 12%"Breathin" by Ariana Grande - 10%"Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush - 9%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 women split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers); the survey was commissioned by Florastor® and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between April 14 and April 21, 2025.
We are sourcing from a non-probability frame and the two main sources we use are:
Traditional online access panels - where respondents opt-in to take part in online market research for an incentiveProgrammatic - where respondents are online and are given the option to take part in a survey to receive a virtual incentive usually related to the online activity they are engaging in
Those who did not fit the specified sample were terminated from the survey. As the survey is fielded, dynamic online sampling is used, adjusting targeting to achieve the quotas specified as part of the sampling plan.
Regardless of which sources a respondent came from, they were directed to an Online Survey, where the survey was conducted in English; a link to the questionnaire can be shared upon request. Respondents were awarded points for completing the survey. These points have a small cash-equivalent monetary value.
Cells are only reported on for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters are put in place to reach the desired sample.
Interviews are excluded from the final analysis if they failed quality-checking measures. This includes:
Speeders: Respondents who complete the survey in a time that is quicker than one-third of the median length of interview are disqualified as speedersOpen ends: All verbatim responses (full open-ended questions as well as other please specify options) are checked for inappropriate or irrelevant textBots: Captcha is enabled on surveys, which allows the research team to identify and disqualify botsDuplicates: Survey software has "deduping" based on digital fingerprinting, which ensures nobody is allowed to take the survey more than once
It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.
The post Study reveals emotional toll women quietly carry appeared first on Talker.
Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
10 minutes ago
- Forbes
New Leadership Language—Neurodivergent Communication Styles
More than half of Gen Z identifies as neurodivergent, according to Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD, cofounder of Mental Capital Consulting. That reality is reshaping expectations of how leaders and employees connect. What was once seen as a private challenge is now a defining feature of workplace diversity. For organizations, the question is no longer whether to adapt but how quickly they can evolve their communication practices to meet a changing workforce. 'More and more people are being diagnosed as neurodivergent,' Dr. Hartstein explains. 'The most recent stat I saw was that 53% of Gen Z identifies as neurodivergent. That's the workforce. So how are we helping them be effective workers?' The answer begins with language. Neurodivergence—whether ADHD, autism spectrum or other cognitive differences—influences how people think and how they process and respond to the information. Leaders and employees alike must adapt their communication styles to foster productivity without sacrificing inclusion. How Leaders Can Communicate With Neurodivergent Team Members Dr. Hartstein emphasizes clarity over volume. 'Do not send long paragraphs and emails. Use bullet points. Highlight the key things you need them to walk away with,' she advises. Oversimplifying isn't the goal. Leaders who are intentional about respecting cognitive load lead by example. Overly dense messages risk disengagement, while streamlined communication makes expectations stick. She also stresses specificity in scheduling and requests. 'Nobody likes to be told, 'Hey, can we have a meeting?' Anytime anybody gets asked that phrase, we all get anxious. Also, be specific about what you need. 'Hey, can we talk on Tuesday about client X? These are the points I'd like to cover.'' Dr. Hartstein notes that while some leaders may resist the extra detail, the payoff is efficiency. 'You're going to take the anxiety away and that person ruminating over it; you're going to have a much more efficient meeting because everybody's prepared.' Questions, not monologues, keep conversations alive. These questions keep communication active rather than one-sided, while also respecting the cognitive styles of team members with ADHD: How Employees Can Communicate With Neurodivergent Leaders The responsibility does not rest solely with managers. Team members working with neurodivergent leaders should approach communication with the same principles of clarity, preparedness and self-advocacy. Dr. Hartstein points to the value of structure. For some team members, disclosing their needs and diagnosis feels overwhelming with a base of fear. 'HR is a place to sometimes start with that and say, 'Hey, I have this diagnosis, and I would like help,'' Dr. Hartstein explains. 'Go into the meeting prepared. Explain what you would like to talk about and prepare a list of what you need to succeed. For instance, 'I need to wear noise-canceling headphones at my desk,' or 'I would like the opportunity to work from home two afternoons a week because I'm more productive.' You might not get all of the things that you need, but if you walk in with your prepared script of how to ask for what you need, you are advocating for yourself.' Here are three ways you can successfully communicate with your leader as a neurodivergent: What emerges is a two-way model: leaders streamline and clarify, while employees prepare and advocate. Both sides reduce friction by moving away from vague cues and toward concrete communication. In Dr. Hartstein's view, that shift strengthens retention and engagement in a workforce increasingly shaped by neurodiversity. It's advice that applies equally whether leading, following or collaborating across the spectrum of minds at work. 'The idea of unmasking and showing up as your authentic self is scary and actually ultimately makes you a better employee,' Dr. Hartstein concludes. 'You have to walk through the fear.'
CNBC
2 hours ago
- CNBC
Starbucks expands test of coconut water beverages as it leans into health and wellness
Starbucks will expand its test of coconut water beverages to hundreds of more stores, as it leans further into health and wellness. Starting Thursday, the coffee giant will test its Coco Matcha and Coco Cold Brew drinks in more than 400 stores across major cities including New York, Los Angeles and the greater Chicago area. The drinks layer matcha foam or cold brew foam over coconut water. Starbucks first tested the coconut beverages in New York City as a part of its "Starting Five" innovation program, in which it tests out new ideas in five coffeehouses and seeks feedback from its baristas and customers before pushing those ideas into additional stores. Starbucks did not share plans for further expansion beyond the regional test this month. "Health and wellness at Starbucks isn't a trend — it's a long-standing commitment. Expanding the test of our Coco Matcha and Coco Cold Brew beverages is the next step to accelerate our health and wellness beverage innovation plan," Dana Pellicano, senior vice president of Starbucks global product experience, said in a statement to CNBC. "We are incorporating real-time feedback with a focus on transparency, functionality, and evolving consumer needs." Cold foam has become one of the chain's most popular modifiers, as it grew 23% year over year, CEO Brian Niccol told analysts on its most recent earnings call. Starbucks will launch protein cold foam late in the fourth quarter, part of its push to kick-start sales after a stretch of financial results that has disappointed Wall Street. "Protein cold foam with no added sugar is an easy way to add 15 grams of protein to virtually any cold beverage. And customers can also add the flavor of their choice," Niccol told analysts. The expanded Starbucks test is part of a larger trend of top restaurant chains increasing beverage options, driven in part by younger consumers who crave customized cold drinks and healthier options. The number of beverages offered by the top 500 chains has increased more than 9% over the past year, according to Technomic's 2025 Away-From-Home Beverage Navigator Report released in July. Companies have leaned even more into cold drinks. Offerings such as specialty coffees and energy drinks have seen the most growth on menus over the past two years, as hot coffee and tea beverages on menus decline, the market researcher reported. Starbucks is in the middle of its "Back to Starbucks" turnaround plans under Niccol, featuring more cafe renovations and menu changes. As the strategy takes shape, Starbucks executives have said the company has seen increases in satisfaction among younger consumers. Niccol told analysts customer value perceptions were near two-year highs in its most recent quarter, driven by gains among Gen Z and millennials, who make up over half its customer base. Starbucks is betting that innovation, coupled with better experiences under its new "Green Apron Service" strategy, will help to boost business. While Starbucks also posted better-than-expected U.S. sales last quarter, they still fell 2% from the prior-year period. Starbucks shares have fallen just more than 1% this year. In addition to the New York, Los Angeles and Chicago areas, Starbucks will also test the coconut water drinks in select cities in the Midwest including Cedar Rapids, Iowa; St. Louis, Missouri; Springfield, Illinois; South Bend, Indiana; and Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Los Angeles Times
12 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Gen Z's Mineral Fix: Magnesium, Potassium & Iodine
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. Some mornings our brains just feel off. We're dragging through tasks and our energy feels flat. Anxiety shows up… for no reason. For a lot of Gen Z, noticing these little signals has become the starting point to figuring out what could really be going on. Research shows Gen Z isn't counting every calorie or stressing over protein shakes but instead are spending time thinking about potential mineral deficiencies. Magnesium, potassium, iodine…these minerals actually run a lot of the body's systems. They keep nerves firing, muscles moving. Water helps carry these minerals to the places in your body that need them, so when your energy feels steadier and your focus improves, it's because of these minerals. Magnesium, potassium, and iodine keep so much of your body running the way it should. Magnesium can help muscles recover after a workout and even seems to calm the mind at night, helping with sleep. Potassium has a hand in keeping fluids balanced and making sure nerves send the right signals, which can affect everything from how alert you feel to how your muscles move. Iodine works behind the scenes through the thyroid, improving metabolism and energy. Unfortunately, most people do not get enough of these minerals. Why? The foods they eat often actually have very little left in them. Fruits and vegetables can lose magnesium and potassium during storage and processing, and soil depletion means even fresh produce may not have as much as it used to. Iodine is mostly found in certain types of salt and seafood, so if you're not getting enough of those foods, intake drops quickly. 'Micronutrient depletion is one of the biggest blind spots in mainstream health,' says Dr. Shah of Next Health. 'We see patients who work out, eat clean, but feel exhausted. The missing piece? Their mineral status is in the red.' Gen Z has started to tune in to how their bodies feel to figure out what they need, and they're paying attention in a way previous generations often did not. Those mornings when your brain feels foggy, or you drag yourself through the day, or random anxiety pops up for no clear reason…these are all clues the body is giving you. Some of these signals are subtle at first, like a little dip in energy or slightly off moods, but with time they can add up. Your body has its own way of making sure you pay closer attention to what you're eating, how much you're drinking, and whether you're getting enough of the minerals to keep your body running. Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, Pendulum co-founder and CEO says she's seen a shift towards symptom-driven wellness. 'When people notice things like brain fog, fatigue, or anxiety, those symptoms can be the body's way of signaling an imbalance beneath the surface.' So where do these minerals actually come from…your diet, your supplements, or both? Think of eating foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, as well as dairy and seafood, they all provide necessary minerals naturally. Drinking enough water while you eat these foods helps your body absorb them better, but how much is really enough? Experts often suggest aiming for roughly 2 to 3 liters of water a day for most adults. 'The key is not just covering up symptoms, but understanding what's driving them,' Cutcliffe says. 'Once the right imbalance is identified and corrected, some people notice improvements in energy or mood fairly quickly, while for others it may take more time as the body restores balance.' If your diet alone isn't cutting it, supplements can help fill the gaps. For example, magnesium glycinate can help support muscle recovery and relaxation at night. And for a broader boost, a multivitamin can help you cover daily needs across multiple minerals and vitamins. Minerals are starting to be a big deal in how young adults think about wellness. Many are starting to reach for powders or supplements just to keep their levels steady throughout the day. But Cutcliffe emphasizes, 'Mineral mocktails and electrolyte powders can look fun and trendy, but consumers should know that not all formulas are created equal. What really matters is whether the supplement is backed by science — meaning it delivers minerals in forms your body can absorb, at clinically meaningful levels, and ideally validated in peer-reviewed studies.' Probiotics like Akkermansia can play a role in supporting gut health and metabolism and can influence how well your body absorbs and uses minerals. Gen Z has also found all sorts of ways to fold minerals into everyday life. Take functional drinks like the 'sleepy girl' mocktail. Packed with magnesium and potassium, it's meant to help you relax at night. Then there are flavored electrolyte drinks and 'moon milks,' which blend hydration with essential minerals so sipping through the day feels effortless. Food has gotten creative, too. Smoothies with kale or spinach, snacks sprinkled with pumpkin seeds, meals with a bit of seaweed. These foods pack in magnesium, potassium, and iodine without ever making it feel like you're taking medicine. Some of the dishes are so colorful and eye-catching, you almost forget you're eating for nutrients. Cutcliffe says, 'With mineral deficiencies, the 'timeline to feeling better' really depends on the individual, because the underlying cause could be diet, absorption issues, or other medical conditions. That's why I always encourage people to work with their healthcare practitioner to identify and address the root cause rather than just chasing quick fixes.' Drinking enough water can also make minerals work better in the body. Water helps magnesium, potassium, and iodine move where they need to go, which can affect everything from muscle recovery to mood and metabolism. It also helps the kidneys keep electrolytes in balance and flush out waste, so minerals stay where they belong. Even missing a little hydration can leave you feeling foggy, irritable, or just…off. So pairing mineral intake with regular water really makes a difference. Hydration helps the trillions of bacteria in your gut too. Those little microbes rely on water to get the nutrients they need, which supports digestion, immunity, and overall wellness. So drinking up benefits your body and your gut at the same time. Cutcliffe explains, 'Generally speaking, young healthy adults do not have mineral deficiencies. The most common reasons young people have mineral deficiencies is because of medical conditions that affect absorption (eg, celiac, Crohn's) or a poor diet (low in vegetables and fruits). Historically, iron and calcium are two minerals that are more common. Some of the other deficiencies, like magnesium or zinc, can affect more than just your health; they can also affect the health of your microbiome. Many microbes utilize key minerals for their survival, including zinc, calcium and magnesium. When you have a mineral deficiency, studies have shown that you are likely to have a less diverse microbiome.' How you live can change your mineral levels more than you might notice. Stress slowly eats away at magnesium and potassium, and before you know it, energy dips and sleep feels off. Not getting enough rest makes it even harder for your body to keep minerals in balance, which can mess with mood and metabolism. Exercise is good, of course, but it also uses up minerals. Potassium and magnesium leave through sweat, sometimes faster than you realize. Even little things add up. Moon Juice's Magnesi-Om is a calming magnesium powder that blends three bioavailable forms with L-theanine to support sleep and relaxation. Their SuperYou capsules use adaptogens to help the body handle stress and restore focus. Pendulum's Metabolic Daily delivers Akkermansia muciniphila to support gut and metabolic health, while Glucose Control is designed for those managing blood sugar. Bloom's cult-favorite Greens & Superfoods Powder is packed with prebiotics and probiotics, and the Total Wellness Trio bundles greens with collagen and creatine. For a coffee alternative, try Mud\WTR's Rise Tin combines cacao, chai spices, and mushrooms. And if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, try Seeking Health's Optimal Magnesium. Click here to learn about Pendulum
