Stress Becomes Daily Reality: 18% of Latvians Live with High Stress Levels

According to the Health Index study conducted by pharmacy chains "Mana Aptieka" and "Apotheka", 18% of surveyed Latvian residents face high stress levels daily – 16% rate it as high and 2% as very high. Another 54% of respondents reported moderate stress, while 25% experience low or very low stress.

The study found that high stress is most common among people with unhealthy lifestyles, lower education, low income, and residents of Riga. Certified pharmacist Agnese Ritene from "Mana Aptieka" explains that chronic stress can disrupt sleep, concentration, immunity, blood pressure, and digestion. She recommends a healthy lifestyle – regular meals, adequate water intake, walks, physical activity at least twice a week, proper sleep hygiene, and limiting screen time.

Common stress relief methods include physical activity (30%), hobbies (26%), and maintaining work-life balance (23%). Only 6% practice breathing exercises or meditation, 5% use alcohol, and merely 2% seek professional help from psychologists, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists. Ritene emphasizes that if stress becomes persistent with anxiety or sleep issues, it is advisable to consult a family doctor or pharmacist.