Millennials are the middle child of health and you get nothing
I am talking about millennials being the middle child of the generation and the middle child of health, which obviously means they got the short end of the draw.
Millennials are those born in the 1980s till the early 2000s
Image Courtesy - By Cmglee - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91612069
A Generation Under Pressure
Millennials are often called the burnout generation, and it's not without reason. They are the first generation to grow up with the internet, and while this has opened up incredible opportunities, it's also brought an unprecedented level of constant connection—and stress. The pressure to be constantly available, productive, and perfect has taken a toll on their mental and physical health. From juggling demanding jobs, often in precarious gig economies, to navigating the skyrocketing costs of living and student debt, millennials are carrying burdens that significantly impact their health.
Click here to learn more about managing stress and burnout.
What changed in health during the millennium?
The after-effects of the industrial revolution began to kick in.
The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes in Great Britain, continental Europe, and the United States, from around 1760 to about 1820–1840.
This came much later for Asia and other countries like India.
The rapid changes in the environment and the discoveries in the name of development catapulted our civilization into a new era, but it came with the cost of destabilizing it.
The generation before the millennial
They witnessed the changes in the industry as well as the environment. In an Indian scenario, industrialization came long after the Western countries and their independence. They witnessed the pollution, and deforestation and are still seeing the effects of the aforementioned with their own eyes.
But the majority were not born in the pollution or their childhood was not basked in the poison of the unrefined chemicals. Sure, there was pollution, but the air was much cleaner, water was better. To a certain extent, they were safe from birth to youth.
The millennial generation
What I personally feel is that including myself, the millennials were born in the most polluted era. They were exposed to the chemicals from birth onward. Not much importance was given to the food that was being consumed, which led to the ingestion of some awful stuff. We were not very concerned about the harmful effects of each and every chemical, and research was ongoing on the claimed effects. We got to know the harmful effects of each of those bad habits, but we basked in them for too long.
Generation after the millennials
They had it much better as their predecessor had already experienced the effects and there is research proof of the bad drugs, food, and chemicals. This generation had the small luxury of the choice of choosing good food and avoiding harmful items. The younger generation was taken care of by their parents, and in effect, they had a better lifestyle.
What next?
The only thing to be done is for the current generation to leave a better place for the coming generations. It is a long and great responsibility that we should each take upon ourselves to do something that benefits future generations. whether it is going eco-friendly or following a greener carbon footprint.
Mental Health: A Silent Epidemic
If there's one area where millennials are the poster children of a health crisis, it's mental health. Anxiety, depression, and burnout are prevalent, exacerbated by social media comparisons and the 'always-on' culture. Millennials are more likely to seek therapy and talk about their struggles than previous generations, which is a positive shift. However, the stigma still exists, and many feel that their mental health concerns are brushed aside as 'just stress' or part of the hustle.
Unlike the younger Gen Z, who have grown up with a more open dialogue around mental health and wellness apps, millennials had to pave the way—often in silence and isolation. They were the test subjects for the early, unfiltered days of social media, where comparing one's real life to others' highlight reels became an unconscious norm.
The Way Forward: Taking Charge of Wellness
For millennials, wellness is no longer just about diet and exercise—it's a multifaceted approach that includes mental health, work-life balance, financial stability, and a sense of purpose. Here's how millennials can reclaim their health and well-being:
Prioritize Preventive Care: Regular check-ups aren't just for kids and seniors. Scheduling annual physicals, keeping up with screenings, and being proactive about health can help catch issues before they become major problems.
Mental Health as Health: Embrace the resources available for mental health—whether it's therapy, meditation apps, or just talking about it with friends. Reducing stigma starts with openness, and millennials are in a unique position to lead this charge.
Digital Detox: Set boundaries with technology. Designate tech-free times or zones, especially before bed, to reduce screen time's impact on sleep and mental health.
Financial Wellness: Managing money stress is crucial. Financial literacy resources, budgeting apps, and setting realistic goals can help ease the burden of financial stress that plagues many millennials.
Movement as Medicine: Break free from the sedentary lifestyle by integrating movement throughout the day. It doesn't have to be a gym session; even standing up and stretching every hour can make a difference.
Community and Connection: Despite being the most connected generation online, many millennials feel isolated. Building real-world connections and investing time in relationships can significantly boost overall well-being.
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