Anxiety is a growing struggle in today’s fast-paced world, especially among younger generations. According to a recent survey conducted by Talker Research, “one in 10 young Americans deliberately carve out dedicated ‘worry time’ in their daily routines.” This approach to managing stress marks a stark contrast to older generations, as only “3% of Gen X and baby boomers” adopt similar strategies.
The survey, commissioned by Avocado Green Mattress, reveals that “62% of Gen Z and millennial respondents report feeling constantly anxious, compared to 38% of older generations.” The primary sources of worry include finances (53%), family concerns (42%), and health issues (37%). Political uncertainties (19%) and sleep anxiety (22%) also weigh heavily on people’s minds. These findings highlight the need for structured approaches to cope with the burden of anxiety.
While mental health experts suggest that setting aside a specific time for worry can help manage anxiety, the Catholic faith offers a spiritual response to this practice—dedicating our anxieties to God through prayer. As Scripture reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Transforming Worry into Prayer
Instead of simply scheduling worry, Catholics can use that time for intentional prayer, surrendering their concerns to the Lord. The act of setting aside time to reflect on worries is not inherently unproductive, but as St. Padre Pio famously said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
One of the key findings of the Talker Research survey is that “a third of respondents find themselves most anxious when alone, while 30% are plagued by worries as they prepare to fall asleep.” This insight suggests that the practice of night prayer, such as the Examen or the Rosary, could provide a meaningful alternative to dwelling on anxious thoughts. The Catechism of the Catholic Church encourages us to turn to prayer in times of distress, stating, “In prayer, the faithful God’s children discover within themselves the desire for God” (CCC 2560).
A Proactive Approach Rooted in Faith
Mental health experts, including Amy Sieman, an affiliate manager with Avocado Green Mattress, acknowledge that “there’s always something brewing in our minds—whether it’s work, family, or future concerns.” However, for Catholics, worry can be an invitation to trust God more deeply.
Incorporating structured prayer into daily routines, such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet or a simple moment of silent meditation, can transform anxiety into an opportunity for spiritual growth. The practice of “scheduled worry time,” as highlighted in the study, can become “scheduled surrender time”—a daily moment to place our trust in Christ.
As Brooke Witt, Vice President of Marketing at Avocado Green Mattress, notes, “Worry doesn’t just cloud our thoughts—it can seriously disrupt our sleep.” Rather than letting concerns consume our minds, we can take Jesus’ words to heart: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
By structuring our worry time as prayer time, we invite God into our struggles, allowing His peace to replace our anxiety. In doing so, we not only manage stress but also deepen our relationship with Him, knowing that He is always in control.
