Gen Z's stress epidemic is reaching new heights with increasing academic pressure, economic uncertainty and use of social media
Changing lifestyles have made stress a common factor among every age group. However, according to studies, Gen Z seems to be the worst affected. Most youngsters today are facing heightened stress, anxiety, and depression, with many complaining of burnout, which affects their mental health.
According to experts, Gen Z's stress epidemic is reaching new heights with increasing academic pressure, economic uncertainty, social media, workplace challenges, political turmoil, hustle culture, social comparison, and global uncertainties on the rise. A recent study also shed light on the alarming prevalence of stress and anxiety among young Indians, with more than 77 per cent of respondents displaying symptoms of stress and one in every third Indian struggling with anxiety.
Ways to find balance and lower stress
A few ways Gen G can balance their feelings, emotions, and mental health, along with taking care of their duties and responsibilities, include:
Reading books
Reading is among the best habits that can help you find peace and calm. According to experts, it is a meditative activity that helps you to focus on a single task that reduces stress. Reading also engages your mind to be creative so that you can imagine the story as you read.
It also helps reduce the symptoms of mental decline and cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. In 2022, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimated there were 6.7 million adults living with dementia, and they expect that number to rise to 14 million by 2060.
Exercise
Regular workouts and exercise have a profound and positive impact on depression, anxiety, and even symptoms of ADHD. According to experts, moderate physical activity can help relieve stress, improve memory, and treat insomnia or sleeplessness.
Studies say exercise treats mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressant medication—but without any side effects. In addition to relieving the symptoms of depression, maintaining an exercise schedule also prevents you from relapsing.
A healthy diet and home-cooked food
Your brain, like other organs, responds to what you eat and drink. It needs several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to stay healthy. If you deprive your brain of these essential nutrients, it will not be able to function properly, raising your risk of mental health issues.
According to experts, most Gen Z people indulge in unhealthy diets, which include junk and fried foods, sodas, and sugary treats—all of which only increase physical and mental health ailments. Cooking at home and indulging in foods that are packed with vitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates can help cure symptoms of stress and depression.
Journaling
Journaling is one of the best ways to control your thoughts and emotions and present them the way you want to without any fear of judgement.
Journaling also controls your symptoms and improves your mood by helping you prioritise problems, fears, and concerns. According to mental health experts, tracking any symptoms day-to-day through journaling can help you recognise triggers and learn ways to better control them.
It also provides you with an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and eliminating them.
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