Life in Germany may seem orderly and efficient, but stress levels are on the rise according to a new survey, with high personal expectations identified as the single greatest reason.
Nearly one in three adults (31 percent) in Germany reports feeling frequently stressed, according to a new survey by Techniker Health Insurance (TK). Only eight percent say they experience no stress at all, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
The survey, conducted by the Forsa Institute in May 2025, included 1,407 adults aged 18 and over. Thirty-five percent of respondents feel stressed sometimes, while 26 percent say it happens rarely.
Stress levels on the rise – especially for women and older adults
Compared to previous years, stress levels have noticeably increased. In 2013, 57 percent of respondents said they were sometimes or frequently stressed. This figure rose to 60 percent in 2016, 64 percent in 2021, and now stands at 66 percent in the latest report.
The survey also found that women are more affected than men: 71 percent of women feel stressed often or sometimes, compared to 60 percent of men..
Interestingly, perceptions of stress have changed over time.
About 57 percent of those surveyed believe life today is more stressful than it was 15 or 20 years ago. This sentiment is especially strong among people aged 40 to 59, with 63 percent in this group feeling that stress has increased, compared to 53 percent of younger adults
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What causes stress?
The survey identified several key sources of stress. The most common is high personal expectations, cited by 61 percent of those who feel stressed at least occasionally.
Work, school or university pressures come next (58 percent), followed by political and societal issues (53 percent).
Additionally, 43 percent mention too many appointments and commitments in their free time as a contributing factor.
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Is technology to blame?
Another possible explanation for rising stress is the rapid digitalisation of everyday life. For many older adults, technology can be a source of anxiety and frustration.
According to a recent survey commissioned by Deutsche Glasfaser, 45 percent of Germans aged 60 and over rate their own digital skills as “rather poor” or “very poor”, and many feel left behind as more services – from banking to booking appointments – move online.
How to cope: practical tips
Psychologist Judith Mangelsdorf, Professor of Positive Psychology at the German University for Health and Sport in Berlin, advises people to manage their exposure to global crises and news.
“We are not evolutionarily designed to deal with the world’s problems all day long,” Mangelsdorf told the German Press Agency. She recommends setting aside digital detox times and avoiding constant news updates.
Social connections, physical activity and spending time in nature can also help strengthen mental well-being. The TK survey found that 83 percent of respondents spend time outdoors or go for walks to relieve stress.
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Other popular strategies reported by respondents included pursuing hobbies (78 percent), meeting family or friends (78 percent), listening to or making music (73 percent) and cooking or dining out (67 percent).
Men are more likely than women to unwind with a beer or glass of wine (36 percent vs 22 percent), while women more often practice yoga or relaxation techniques (28 percent vs 11 percent).
Mangelsdorf’s final tip for those feeling overwhelmed: consciously create positive moments in daily life, whether it’s a good conversation, a coffee in the sun or cycling to work instead of driving.
With reporting by DPA.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
