Praying tops Filipinos’ ways to cope with stress — SWS

Posted by ReyFort Media

Praying is the most common way Filipinos deal with stress, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The national survey of 1,500 adults found that 16 percent turn to prayer or spiritual activities to manage daily stress and pressure.

Following prayer, 14 percent said they rest or sleep to relieve stress, while 11 percent go out or take leisure trips to relax and recharge, the survey showed.

Smaller proportions said they cope with stress by thinking positively, 7 percent; focusing on work or school, 6 percent; or ignoring or forgetting the problem, 6 percent.

Five percent each said they spend time with family or exercise, while four percent each mentioned playing games, doing chores, or watching television and movies.

Eating, singing, or listening to music were also cited by four percent, while two percent each said they scroll on social media or drink alcohol when stressed.

Only a few mentioned gardening, smoking, crying, or seeking medical help as stress-relief methods, SWS said in its report released Oct. 23.

The top three stress-coping methods — praying, resting, and going out — remained consistent among those who experience frequent or major stress in daily life.

SWS said these sources of major stress often relate to one’s finances, health, work or school, and family, based on its earlier report on stress frequency.

The survey also revealed gender and regional differences in coping styles, with women significantly more likely than men to turn to prayer, 20 percent compared with 12 percent.

By area, praying was the top choice in Balance Luzon and Metro Manila, while resting or sleeping led in Mindanao and the Visayas.

The survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews from Sept. 24 to 30, 2025, has a national margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points, SWS said.

SWS said the non-commissioned survey was done as a public service to study Filipinos’ mental health habits. CBCP News)