Praying or engaging in spiritual activities is the most common way Filipinos cope with stress, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) Third Quarter 2025 Survey.
Of the 1,500 adult respondents, 16% said they pray to manage stress, followed by resting or sleeping (14%) and going out or taking leisure trips (11%).
SWS noted that prayer is also the top coping method among those who experience stress “frequently” or face major stress related to finances, health, work, or family.
By gender, 20% of women cope with stress through prayer compared to 12% of men. According to SWS, they are more likely to rest or go out, while women tend to pray or think positively.
Regionally, prayer ranks highest in Balance Luzon and Metro Manila, while resting or sleeping tops in Mindanao and the Visayas.
The non-commissioned survey was conducted from September 24–30, 2025, through face-to-face interviews.
The following are the ways how Filipinos cope with stress according to SWS:
- Praying - 16%
- Resting/Sleeping - 14%
- Going out - 11%
- Thinking positively - 7%
- Focusing on school / work - 6%
- Ignoring the problem - 6%
- Spending time with family - 5%
- Exercising / going for a walk - 5%
- Playing sports / e-games - 4%
- Doing household chores - 4%
- Talking with friends / neighbors - 4%
- Watching tv / movies - 4%
- Eating - 4%
- Singing / listening to music - 4%
- Browsing on social media - 2%
- Drinking alcohol - 2%
- Gardening / farming - 1%
- Smoking cigarettes - 1%
- Crying - 0.4%
- Seeking medical help - 0.2%
