The young blood Gen Z is expected to be full of energy, but in truth, most of them are physically and emotionally drained. As per a survey, about 25% of youngsters reported feeling distressed.
They’re not just “lazy” or “addicted to screens,” in fact, they’re living life at 5x speed, trying to build a career, maintain a social life, stay mentally sane, fight inflation, look good, sleep 8 hours, the list is endless.
Studies have tried to unravel how these daunting expectations are making the young guns feel older than their parents ever did at the same age. Read more below.
The Digital Life Is Amazing (But Draining)
Born during the boom of the internet and technology (1997-2012), Gen Z was raised in a constant state of stimulation. Dopamine hits every 10 seconds, notifications buzzing like mosquitoes, and endless comparison scrolling.
The human brain wasn’t ready for this level of intensity. Studies show that multitasking and digital overload are linked with:
- Reduced focus
- Increase stress hormones
- Short attention span
So, while their parents were vibing in the moment, Gen Z are locked in group chats 24/7 or doomscrolling reels.
Sunlight Deficit Due To Indoor Lifestyle
Most of Gen Z works, studies, chills, and doom-scrolls indoors. This “indoor life” means less sunlight, which creates fundamental deficiencies that affect mood and energy.
Natural light exposure is vital for mood regulation. Indoor life can lead to low vitamin D levels, which are linked with fatigue, low mood, brain fog, and physical weakness.
Making a routine to soak up morning sunlight, or even choosing basics like a vitamin D tablet, can help elevate mood and help youngsters beat energy slumps.
Chronically Online And Comparing
While previous generations had only a few people, maybe 5, to compare their lives to, Gen-Z is influenced by thousands of people online.
Beauty, career, love, success, all of these aspects feel like a competition because they’re constantly watching other people’s highlight reels.
Comparison leads to insecurity, which causes stress and burnout. And this vicious loop just tightens if you don’t have healthy social connections offline.
Hence, the literal “touch-grass” phrase is often used to encourage people to spend time off-screen in the real world to deload this stress and anxiety.
How to Avoid This Burnout?
When things get chaotic, making changes to your lifestyle and diet can help you tackle stress. Read more here:
- Fixing your sleep cycle and helping your body recover and process the emotions of the entire day, so that you feel more charged up the next day.
- Avoid your dependence on caffeine. Swap for healthier hydration habits, like electrolyte water or fruit-rich snacks, to keep energy steady.
- Eat brain-boosting foods, such as healthy fats from nuts and seeds. Things like fish oil capsules are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help support focus, reduce inflammation, and improve memory.
- Set healthy boundaries like your peace depends on it, and reduce screentime. Digital overexposure is the fastest way to feel mentally drained, especially when consuming low-quality content.
- Declutter your brain daily by using a notes app, journaling, and voice memos.
The Bottom Line
Gen Z feels burnt out because they’re juggling more pressure, more information, less rest, less sunlight, and higher expectations than any previous generations. Slowing down, setting healthy boundaries, eating something real, and going outside are the keys to feeling more grounded and preventing energy drainage.
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Sunny is a dedicated writer at Aldalive.com, sharing fresh and informative content across multiple topics.