How Much Time Do You Spend Worrying?
A recent study titled the "Average American Spends 138 Minutes Mired in Worrisome Thoughts Every Day" points out the relentless assault of worry on the average person each day. And the most surprising revelation is how pervasive it is among younger Americans.
Among the findings, 62% of Gen Z and millennial respondents report feeling constantly anxious, compared to 38% of older generations. On average, people spend two hours and 18 minutes each day caught in the grip of worrisome thoughts. This is a significant chunk of time that could otherwise fuel productivity, creativity, or personal growth.
The timing of these worry periods reveals interesting patterns. A third of respondents find themselves most anxious when alone. 30% are plagued by worries as they prepare to fall asleep. Another 17% are tormented by anxious thoughts upon waking. 12% experience peak worry while getting ready for bed.
When it comes to specific concerns:
53% of respondents cite money as their primary source of anxiety.
42% worry about their loved ones.
42% fret about pending tasks and to-do lists.
37% have health concerns.
22% have sleep anxiety (22%),
19% are concerned by political uncertainties.
For parents, the concerns extend far beyond personal anxieties. 77% express profound worry about the world their children are inheriting, with 34% specifically calling out climate change as a significant concern. One parent’s raw emotion captures this generational anxiety: “Honestly, I worry that there won’t be a world for my child to grow up in.”
Jesus knew how destructive worry can be so He told us in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Paul also understood anxiety and worry and wrote… “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
The opposite of worry is not sticking your head in the ground and pretending that there are no concerns in life. No, the opposite of worry is trusting Jesus every day and taking every concern to Him in prayer. So, don’t let worry rob you of “138” minutes each day, instead let the peace that passes all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Speaking of prayer… keep your antenna up about several prayer matters… First, we will soon begin enlisting additional prayer warriors for our War Room, and second, we are planning our next Prayer Summit for late November. Also, you can be praying about our mission team in Vermont all this week, Baby Dedication on October 26th, our annual upcoming “Reach the World” mission emphasis and offering in starting November 2nd, “Corndodgers” Family festival on November 2nd, Ladies Night of Worship on November 16th, and all the Christmas celebrations in December… yeah, it’s a busy place around here! In the meantime, remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray
Among the findings, 62% of Gen Z and millennial respondents report feeling constantly anxious, compared to 38% of older generations. On average, people spend two hours and 18 minutes each day caught in the grip of worrisome thoughts. This is a significant chunk of time that could otherwise fuel productivity, creativity, or personal growth.
The timing of these worry periods reveals interesting patterns. A third of respondents find themselves most anxious when alone. 30% are plagued by worries as they prepare to fall asleep. Another 17% are tormented by anxious thoughts upon waking. 12% experience peak worry while getting ready for bed.
When it comes to specific concerns:
53% of respondents cite money as their primary source of anxiety.
42% worry about their loved ones.
42% fret about pending tasks and to-do lists.
37% have health concerns.
22% have sleep anxiety (22%),
19% are concerned by political uncertainties.
For parents, the concerns extend far beyond personal anxieties. 77% express profound worry about the world their children are inheriting, with 34% specifically calling out climate change as a significant concern. One parent’s raw emotion captures this generational anxiety: “Honestly, I worry that there won’t be a world for my child to grow up in.”
Jesus knew how destructive worry can be so He told us in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Paul also understood anxiety and worry and wrote… “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
The opposite of worry is not sticking your head in the ground and pretending that there are no concerns in life. No, the opposite of worry is trusting Jesus every day and taking every concern to Him in prayer. So, don’t let worry rob you of “138” minutes each day, instead let the peace that passes all understanding guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Speaking of prayer… keep your antenna up about several prayer matters… First, we will soon begin enlisting additional prayer warriors for our War Room, and second, we are planning our next Prayer Summit for late November. Also, you can be praying about our mission team in Vermont all this week, Baby Dedication on October 26th, our annual upcoming “Reach the World” mission emphasis and offering in starting November 2nd, “Corndodgers” Family festival on November 2nd, Ladies Night of Worship on November 16th, and all the Christmas celebrations in December… yeah, it’s a busy place around here! In the meantime, remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!
For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray
Posted in Shepherd Talk
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