Since 1992, April has marked an important awareness campaign run by The Stress Management Society: Stress Awareness Month. It’s an event that brings awareness to the causes, effects and management solutions for stress with the vision of building happier, more resilient communities.
Stress is a response to a difficult situation, and something we all experience in our lives. However, a UK-wide study published in 2025 found that 74% of adults felt so stressed they were overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Chronic or high levels of stress can lead to a variety of problems for consumers like anxiety, low mood and poor sleep quality. By offering solutions that support lifestyle changes and products that slot into daily mental wellbeing rituals to combat stress, brands can offer product solutions that help make positive changes.
Here we take a look at the causes of stress and how this is impacting areas of consumers' health and wellbeing.
What’s Causing Stress in 2026?
There are a few factors that are causing people stress at this time, and many are finding themselves in need of extra support. Common causes are:
- Workplace stress is at record levels, with 1 in 4 workers reporting they are unable to cope
- Economic instability, politics and geopolitical tensions are directly impacting people’s mental wellbeing
- Around 58% of consumers say they are experiencing moderate stress in their day-to-day lives
Prolonged stress can often cause people’s daily routines to change, sleep becomes disrupted, energy levels drop, and healthy habits begin to slip. This can lead many individuals to make changes like incorporating a functional supplement into their day-to-day ritual.
Poor Sleep Quality
According to research from FMCG Gurus, 1 in 3 consumers reported they are dissatisfied with their general sleep health, difficulty falling asleep and waking up throughout the night.
Many consumers are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety throughout the day, preventing restful sleep at night and leading to low energy when they wake up.
Anxiety and Low Mood
Last year, 28% of global consumers said their number one health focus for the year was emotional wellbeing (FMCG Gurus).
Chronic stress can lead to people developing mental health problems like anxiety and depression, making it important for consumers to address stress triggers and seek solutions to help them cope.
Stress Supporting Solutions for Your Brand
Our off-the-shelf gummy range offers a range of cognitive health and stress-supporting gummies.
Ashwagandha Gummies
Our Ashwagandha Gummy is designed to support relaxation and cognitive function. Combined with Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Lavender and Vitamin B6, brands can position our gummy for relaxation, sleep and stress relief.
Ashwagandha has been widely studied for its benefits including:
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving sleep quality
- Cognitive functions like memory and attention
- Hormone balance
Lion’s Mane Gummies
Our Lion’s Mane Gummy has been formulated to support cognitive functions like improved memory and focus. Lion’s Mane may also have benefits for relaxation, sleep and mood balance.
Lion’s Mane benefits may include:
- Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
- Supports memory and focus
- May reduce brain fog
- Supports immune health
Our off-the-shelf Lion’s Mane Gummy contains 2000mg of Lion’s Mane Mushroom per serving. Vitamin B6 allows access to EFSA-approved health claims for cognitive health.
Magnesium Gummies
Our Magnesium Gummy is designed to support improved sleep quality and mood as well as muscle function and recovery. Our off-the-shelf gummy formula also contains Vitamin B6 and Zinc to support cognitive function and the nervous system.
Benefits of Magnesium may include:
- Calming of the nervous system
- Improved sleep quality
- Muscle function including easing cramping, tension and spasms
- Promoting relaxation
Multi Mushroom Gummies
Our off-the-shelf Multi Mushroom Gummies combine the natural benefits of five potent mushrooms: Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Maitake, Chaga and Shiitake.
These mushrooms are popular for a variety of potential benefits like:
- Reducing brain fog and promoting mental clarity
- Improving mood and supporting relaxation
- Reducing mental and physical stress
Added Vitamin B6 allows the use of EFSA-approved health claims relating to the nervous system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, common problems associated with chronic stress.