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From unexpected phone calls to loud chewing, new research reveals the microscopic annoyances that send our stress levels through the roof
NEW YORK — You know that feeling when you’re peacefully scrolling through your phone and suddenly spot someone you absolutely do not want to talk to heading straight toward you? That heart-sinking, fight-or-flight moment when you consider diving behind the nearest potted plant? Well, you’re not alone, and according to new research, it’s actually the number one tiny thing that drives Americans completely up the wall.
A Talker Research survey of 2,000 adults has revealed the surprisingly specific and relatable ways we lose our collective minds over the smallest irritations. Leading the charge at 46% is that dreaded moment of spotting a nemesis in public, followed closely by the panic-inducing knock on your front door when you’re decidedly not prepared for guests (44%). Because honestly, who among us hasn’t frozen like a deer in headlights when the doorbell rings and we’re still in yesterday’s sweatpants?
The third-place winner in this championship of minor chaos? People talking to you when you desperately want silence, which 43% of respondents identified as a major stress trigger. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to invest in one of those “Do Not Disturb” signs that hotels use, except for your entire existence.
Technology, unsurprisingly, plays a starring role in our modern anxiety symphony. A whopping 40% of Americans cited lagging WiFi as a major stressor—because nothing quite compares to watching that little spinning wheel of doom when you’re trying to stream your show or join an important video call. And in our hyperconnected age, 35% said unexpected phone calls send their stress levels soaring. (Remember when people just… called each other without warning? Wild times.)
But perhaps the most viscerally relatable findings involve the sounds that make our skin crawl. Loud chewing clocks in at 40%, proving that misophonia — the hatred of specific sounds — is alive and well in America. Heavy breathing from someone nearby registers as stressful for 25% of respondents, which honestly explains a lot about pre-pandemic subway rides.
The survey also uncovered some wonderfully specific stress triggers that feel almost too real: “the texture of my socks,” “aluminum cans,” “not washing my hair for two days” and “the beeping sound on TV to hide swearing” were among the most unique responses. Because apparently, even censorship has the power to ruin our day.
Beyond these micro-annoyances, Americans are stressed about bigger picture issues too. Nearly half (47%) said just thinking about how expensive everything has gotten sends their anxiety into overdrive, while 40% cited running late when stuck in traffic, and 39% pointed to simple miscommunications as major stressors.
So how are we coping with all this chaos? The survey found that 58% of Americans turn to music when they need to mellow out, followed by deep breathing and meditation (34%) and pet cuddles (32%). In a particularly telling finding, Americans would rather hear their favorite artist or band than their partner when they need to de-stress — 46% versus 34%. (No offense to our significant others, but sometimes Taylor Swift just hits different.)
Interestingly, the survey, which focused on people who have tried CBD or THC, found that these products are becoming increasingly popular stress-busters. Twenty percent take CBD gummies daily, while 30% use THC products daily to combat stress. Users reported that CBD decreased their stress levels by an average of 54%, while THC users saw a 68% reduction.
“One of the benefits of CBD’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system is a calming effect that works great for dialing down stress,” said Jameson Rodgers, co-founder of CBDfx, which sponsored the survey. “THC can have similar positive effects — enhanced by the compound’s natural mood elevation benefits—making it another great choice for stress relief.”
The survey also revealed some concerning trends about our relationship with stress and sleep. A staggering 73% of Americans say stress impacts their quality of life, while 77% report it affects their sleep quality. And our phone habits aren’t helping; only 20% of Americans avoid looking at their phones past a certain time each night, and just 11% avoid checking them before a certain time in the morning.
The average American has stuck to their unwinding method for over a decade, which may be because 84% find these approaches effective. The survey found that people take CBD gummies an average of three nights a week, while 16% say it’s a nightly occurrence. They also average using THC products four nights each week, with 29% doing so nightly.
“Over time, lack of sleep can have a negative effect on many areas of a person’s overall health, including stress. When you’re tired, stress can be more difficult to manage and, potentially, can do more long-term damage,” said Rodgers. “CBD sleep products can be an effective natural sleep aid. Those same calming effects that make CBD great for stress relief also make it an effective base ingredient for sleep aids, along with compounds like CBN (cannabinol), melatonin, chamomile, and other natural ingredients. THC works well with those same natural sleep ingredients, helping to elevate one’s mood and help them relax before bedtime.”
Survey Methodology This research was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of CBDfx, surveying 2,000 Americans who have tried CBD or THC. The online survey was administered between April 30 and May 8, 2025, using both traditional online access panels and programmatic sampling methods. Respondents received small cash-equivalent incentives for participation, and the data was collected with quality-checking measures including speed detection, bot prevention, and duplicate response elimination.