Anxiety is a growing concern among millennials, with research showing they experience more stress and have a harder time managing it compared to previous generations. This generation's struggle with anxiety is evident, as over half of millennials admit to losing sleep due to stress. But what's causing this heightened anxiety, and how can we address it? Let's dive in.
The Anxiety Epidemic Among Millennials: Unraveling the Causes
The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that millennials are more anxious than their older counterparts, with 12% diagnosed with anxiety disorders, nearly double the rate among Baby Boomers. This trend is further supported by an APA report revealing that 35% of millennials sought help from mental health professionals, while a 2014 assessment by the American College Health Association (ACHA) found that 61% of college students regularly experience anxiety.
Anxiety not only impacts our well-being but also hampers our productivity. The ACHA assessment identified stress and anxiety as the top two factors affecting students' academic performance. Furthermore, two-thirds of millennials attribute declining work performance to anxiety.
So, what's causing this anxiety epidemic among millennials? Potential sources include a challenging job market, student debt, and psychological factors like ambition obsession, career crises, and choice overload. However, even our daily behaviors can contribute to anxiety.
8 Daily Habits That Fuel Anxiety in Millennials
Bad Sleep Habits: Poor sleep is a significant contributor to anxiety. A study found that lack of sleep can lead to excessive worrying. Common causes include irregular bedtimes, not prioritizing sleep, and using phones or laptops before bed. Instead, establish a technology-free, boring nighttime routine, keep a journal to jot down thoughts, and exercise during the day to tire your body.
Skipping Meals: Eating regularly is crucial for regulating metabolism, insulin levels, and mental stability. Skipping meals can cause unstable blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking, which are also anxiety symptoms. Dehydration can have a similar effect, so remember to eat and drink regularly.
Drinking Coffee: While coffee can enhance alertness and performance, it can also make people jittery and nervous, especially those predisposed to anxiety. Research shows that caffeine sensitivity is heightened in people with panic disorders and social phobias, and it can even provoke panic attacks. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration, a known anxiety trigger. Try reducing your coffee intake and see if you feel calmer without it.
Sitting Too Long: America's surge in anxiety symptoms coincides with increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Research has confirmed a link between sedentary behavior and anxiety, specifically finding that the risk of anxiety increases with prolonged sitting.
Screen Time: Millennials spend over 5 hours a day on their phones, and excessive screen time can make us anxious. Screen-based entertainment increases central nervous system arousal, which can amplify anxiety. Social media is also associated with low moods and depression. Try leaving your phone in your pocket when you're waiting or have nothing to do.
Not Clocking Out: Millennials become anxious when work intrudes on their personal lives, but this is often a result of their own choices. Many feel productivity should be measured by output, not hours worked. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, schedule a consistent time to stop working each night and stick to it.
Binge Watching: Snuggling up with a movie may seem relaxing, but research suggests otherwise. Studies show that watching TV for just two hours can increase feelings of depression and anxiety. Instead, engage in activities like walking, knitting, working, drawing, or calling a friend when you're done with work.
Hanging Out with Anxious People: Venting to someone who understands can provide temporary relief, but studies show that ruminating on anxiety often makes it worse. Seek out people who lift your mood and make you feel stable and well.
Anxiety can lead to heart disease, migraines, chronic respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions. By addressing these daily habits, we can improve our moods and overall well-being. Let's prioritize our mental health and make positive changes, one habit at a time.
