Those people who were born during 1997 to 2012 are called Gen Z. It is first generation who bring in the era of Technology. These people are very creative social and very ambitious. Besides this shiny light many people are suffering from mental health issues. Today's research shown that there are three major issues that are making problems for Gen Z. These are sleep issues, loneliness and financial crisis. These issues are interconnected and effect the emotional well being productivity and life satisfaction of these people.
Current situation of Gen Z Mendel health:
Every generation has its own problems but Gen Z has its unique problem. The meaning of growing in digital Era is to maintain connection and make your comparison with others. Digital life has a great effect on Gen Z. Being always online traps them into comparison and unrealistic expectations. They demotivates themselves by watching others perfect life on social media.
COVID-19 pandemic increases use of social media and also enhances social isolation. Moreover, inflation and job in security increase the stress. These three factors sleep, loneliness and financial pressure, are connected to each other and increase each other.
Sleep problems:
Reasons of this issue:
A lot of Gen Z people stay awaked till late night.
Reasons are:
- Excessive screen time or excess use of social media like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram etc
- Academic and work pressure
- Overthinking and stress especially teen agers
- Lack of time or irregular time
According to World Health Organization, about 60% adults sleep time is less than 7 hours and it's very harmful for them.
Effects of lack of sleep:
- Lack of sleep weakens the immune system
- The risk of mood swings, irritability and depression increases
- Reduction in focus and productivity
Solution:
- Take a fixed and proper scheduled sleep
- Stay away from the screen for 1 hour before going to bed
- Do meditations and deep breathing exercise daily
- Make your bedroom clean, quite and without light for proper sleep
Loneliness and social disconnection:
Causes:
Besides digital connections, physical connections are very less in Gen Z people. During the era of pandemic people were in their houses. Social media makes only superficial connection and it does not give emotional supports.
Effects:
Loneliness increases anxiety and depression. According to research, chronic loneliness has bad effects. These effects are similar to smoking. Reduction in self confidence.
Solutions:
- Take part in community activities
- Make deals and discussion with friend and family, face to face
- Reduce the social media scrolling
- Make a habit of volunteering so you know your purpose
Financial stress:
Causes:
Gen z has to face inflation, rising rents, and students loans after starting their career. Now a days Job market is very tough. These cannot get jobs because competition is high. Some people do part Time jobs to pay their bills.
Effects:
It's may lead to burnout, insomnia and chronic anxiety. There may b relationship conflict.
Solutions:
- Learn financial literacy, budgeting and saving and investing your money in a right place.
- Upgrade your skills so your income may b increases
- Find side income sources
- Make emergency fund
Connection of these problems:
All these problems are inter connected. Lack in sleep increases anxiety and stress and stress decreases sleep.
Financial tension increases loneliness because people do not share their problems
Loneliness destroy your mental health and at last it leads to lack of sleep and also effect financial productivity.
Best copping strategies:
Self care:
- Take daily a bit time for yourself
- Make boundaries and limits
- Practice mindfulness and gratitude
Professional help:
- Take therapy or counseling
- Mental help apps etc
Support system:
- Spend your time with positive people
- Share your problems with your trusted and honest people
Digital life balance:
- Be offline daily for sometime
- Make non digital hobbies like reading , paying. sport etc
Conclusion:
Major issues of Gen Z are lack of sleep, loneliness and financial pressure. These all increase one another. But we can reduce the effects of these by awareness, self care, adopting positive habits. Every person should give priority to his health. And make his support system strong.
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