America’s word of the year for 2026? “Stressful,” according to a recent survey — and a third are currently going through an existential crisis. The survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by Talker Research found the top word people used to describe how 2026 has been so far was “stressful” (35%), followed by “challenging” (32%). And older Americans were actually more likely to describe their 2026 experience as “stressful” compared to younger generations (baby boomers 37%, Gen X 38%, millennials 31%, Gen Z 32%), bringing to light their increasing instability in a rapidly changing world. But what’s feeding Americans’ overwhelming stress? In the study, respondents said they’ve already experienced an average of two “plot twists” this year, or unexpected life changes that threw their roadmap for 2026 out the window. According to Talker Research’s survey, older Americans were actually more likely to describe their 2026 experience as “stressful” compared to younger generations.…