Generation Z is paving the path towards new ways of thinking and new levels of self-awareness. As such, they are often the butt of many jokes addressing their attitude in the workplace, their heightened mental health awareness, and their all-embracing sense of identity. But, one thing that few have come to realize is that the youth is one of the most stressed generations, scoring an average stress level of 6.1 on a scale of 1 to 10 according to the APA’s stress in America in 2020.
Faithful to their teetotaler’s approach to life, as being the generation who reported drinking the least, Gen Z is looking for escapism away from the bottle. They are looking for healthier approaches to handle chronic stress and anxiety, often turning to social media for support and tips.
How does Gen Z find stress relief at the end of a long day?
#1. They play online games
Playing online games is no novelty. But for Gen Z, simple gaming platforms, such as this Freecell one, offer a unique digital haven where they use soothing repeated actions and puzzle-solving to give their tormented minds a break. The focus here is not on extravagant and expensive video games. When it comes to stress relief, Gen Z loves simplicity, embracing pattern repetition and pragmatic gameplay to short-circuit anxiety.
The interactive nature of gaming is enough to engage their mind and provide a much-needed distraction. They also find solstice in repetition patterns, which can help bring structure to their complex thoughts. Online games become a therapeutic experience that offer a mental reset, not dissimilar to meditation.
#2. They enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee
Indulging in the ritual of a freshly brewed drink is time-honored practice that transcends mere refreshment. Making a hot drink is a sensory journey that begins with the aromatic experience of brewing herbs or coffee beans, and culminates in the comforting warmth of the first sip.
Beyond the caffeine boost, making a cup of tea or coffee is a ritual that offers a pause in the chaos of the day. It is, for Gen Z, a mindful moment to enjoy. Whether they prefer the soothing quality of tea, often herbal with complex and diverse flavors, or the robust richness of coffee, Gen Z creates a sensory experience out of a coffee break. They often love to learn some of the most popular techniques, including latte arts or mixing tea leaves to recreate luxury quality in their own home.
#3. Going for a walk
Stepping into the great outdoors, going for the wall has always been a powerful antidote to the pressures of modern life. As Gen Z makes mental health a priority, they have been quick to recognize the benefits of a walk in nature.
The rhythmic cadence of footsteps in the middle of a natural environment, whether it is a park or a wood area, can help break the cycle of urban noises and fast pace. Gen Z, as the first generation that grew up with mobile phones. Is especially well-positioned to appreciate nature and find beauty in it. They have an eye for green landscapes, which not only makes attractive photo backgrounds but can also be instrumental in reducing heartbeats and cortisol levels.
#4. Using CBD and cannabis
Gen Z is a lot more open-minded than former generations when it comes to embracing alternative stress relief methods. They have rapidly embraced the benefits of CBD and cannabis as part of their wellness effort. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, has gained popularity among Gen Z for its potential calming effects without the risk of intoxication sensations. As such, CBD drops, gummies, and lotions frequently find their way into Gen Z’s homes.
But, in states where recreational cannabis is allowed, Gen Z has been using it for stress relief too. Similar to CBD, Gen Z finds that cannabis can provide temporary relief from their daily pressures, allowing them to cope better with difficult situations.
#5. They listen to music
Immersing yourself in music is a popular mood-enhancing technique. Gen Z is a generation that listens to a lot of music, thanks to many streaming platforms such as Spotify. They are keen to use different playlists to illustrate and correct their mood, embracing a much broader collection of genres and styles than previous generations.
As such, their music taste can be varied, from classic music to K-pop, via indy artists and foreign songs. Music becomes a refuge that can adapt to their feelings and needs. Music provides an avenue for escapism that momentarily transports individuals to a reality where the worries of the world can briefly fade away. Gen Z has built its own musical imaginary castle, which they retreat to to combat day-to-day stress, whether it is work-, relationship- or even health-related. It’s no surprise that Gen Z has a playlist for most situations given the role music plays in their mood.
#6. Journaling with an open heart
Journaling has made a place for itself as a popular organizational method. But it has also proven highly effective as a stress-relief method. More and more Gen Z adults use journaling as a way to embrace self-reflection and emotional release. The act of putting pen to paper can already create a unique space where thoughts, emotions, and experiences find their way out, allowing you to untangle the complexities of the mind.
The journaling process is self-exploratory, which allows Gen Z to find clarity on what they think but also on what they feel. For many, journaling is a great way to not only identify the key stressors at any given moment, but also being able to reflect on them. There is more than a sense of immediate relief from writing down turbulent thoughts. Journaling helps make sense of complex thoughts and, eventually, manage stress factors more successfully.
There is also a journey behind every journaling habit. For Gen Z, journaling is a journey of personal growth and resilience, which means that the stressors of today may fade into the background tomorrow. It is an undeniable therapeutic effect of embracing the process with honesty, which can help identify patterns and potentially dangerous thoughts so you can act upon them.
#7. Using creative activities and crafting as output
Can there be anything more enjoyable than creative pursuits such as painting and crafting? For many, a craft hobby is a manual remedy that helps focus the mind on something else than harmful thoughts. Additionally, the act of crafting or creating art becomes a therapeutic channel that enables Gen Z to express emotions and thoughts that wouldn’t otherwise come out.
The pandemic has seen a surge in crafting as a hobby designed to kill time, but in reality, for many it’s been a beacon of hope and self-discovery. Creativity is an immersive escape that uses the imagination to turn the mundane grind of everyday into something exciting and enjoyable For Gen Z, being creative means transforming the meaning of the things that burden them, such as turning a traumatic experience into a powerful painting or healing a breakup through a meaningful handcrafted creation.
#8. Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is growing in popularity for Gen Z individuals who seek soothing scents inside their homes. Harnessing the power and functions of essential oils can be tricky, and, as a result, Gen Z often prefers to focus on a handful of trusted scents for their emotional well-being.
Lavender is a popular choice, renowned for its calming properties. It is frequently used as a pillow spray to promote a relaxing night or also as scented candles around the bath area. Similarly, the delicate floral scent of jasmine can help address tiredness and stress, especially as part of your home scent to use in the lounging area or even in the home office. Ylang ylang is another top choice for general home use, perfectly suitable for bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms.
#9. Therapy
Gen Z is the first generation to openly discuss the benefits of therapy for mental health in such a high volume. While therapy was frequently associated with high-end services, Gen Z helps normalize its benefits for all and share how it can help improve their lives.
Many individuals turn to talk therapy, often choosing online therapy for practical reasons, and find it to be an empowering experience that assists them in navigating and managing stress levels. As a generation that faces a lot of new identity questions, Gen Z is prone to honesty when it comes to emotions. They recognize the benefits of going no contact with those who hurt them, and, unlike previous generations, they are experts at building a supportive network around themselves.
#10. Physical activities
Being physically active has always been a great way of releasing tensions, and Gen Z is not exception. They particularly love hitting the gym several times a week to look after their mental health as much as thweir fitness level. Sports mean well-being for Gen Z, and as such, they take it seriously and are willing to make time for it in their daily life.
In conclusion, Gen Z is showing a different approach to stress management, focusing on holistic solutions and getting in touch with their underlying emotions. And because they are more honest about how they feel, they are also better equipped than previous generations to improve their well-being.
