Constantly noticed but not often discussed–our society constantly putting pressure on young adults to succeed.Constantly noticed but not often discussed–our society constantly putting pressure on young adults to succeed.
It’s no surprise that young adults in America feel as if they are hanging by a thread.
A new mental health study claims that young adults spend more than six hours a day feeling “stressed out”.
The amount of stress that young people are carrying with them not only bares weight emotionally, but also physically. Millennials and Generation Z make diet and healthy lifestyle a priority. However, commonly unknown is the side effects that stem from stress itself.
Personally, I’ve always welcomed stress as a way to “make sure I get things done”. But this unhealthy lifestyle caused more damage than I had realized. Insomnia, increased depression, weakened immune system and low sex drive are just a few side effects of stress. The tole this takes on a young person’s body can cause serious damage down the line. Not to mention how uncomfortable living in this state of mind is.
But, here’s the bad news and the good news:
The bad news is that there’s no escaping stress. Stress is everywhere around us. Stress is running late to work and hitting traffic on the way there. Stress is waiting till the last minute to write your five page essay. Stress is not knowing how you’re going to afford rent this month. It’s important to remember that it is okay to be imperfect and not be quite sure about your future endeavors. Not knowing is just a part of life. Everyone deals with pressure the world throws at us, and the irony is that dealing with it can make you even more stressed out. But luckily, there’s good news too.
The good news is that there is ways to cope. You don’t have to go as far as writing in a journal or making friendship bracelets. Keeping these feelings to yourself become toxic and lead to additional problems. There’s no harm in talking to someone close to you about the weight of the world.
Based on the study, Fifty-six percent admit having additional problems just from keeping all of their problems to themselves.
Cutting off toxic and unwanted relationships is also a great way to start distressing your life. And even as corny as it sounds, remember to breathe. Breathing is the simplest way to cope with piling up thoughts and worries. A technique that calms panic attack victims down is naming five things you see, four things you hear, three things you smell, two things you feel, and one thing you taste. Remember, even though it doesn’t feel like it, there’s always time to take up a new hobby, exercise, or do an enjoyable activity that you haven’t done in a long time. It’s important to enjoy moments like these while you’re young. I know it’s extremely difficult, but don’t let stress and fear dictate your life and choices.
