TOP 4 PRACTICES TO EASE ANXIETY FOR MILLENNIALS
MILLENNIALS, STRESS, AND ANXIETY
Many psychologists believe Millennials are a highly anxious, stressed and burnt out generation. According to the American Psychological Association, most millennials report financial uncertainty or insecurity as a big contributor to their stress. Another factor that contributes to our anxiety is our access to more choices in opportunities, careers, food, partners, lifestyle, entertainment, geography, products and services than previous generations.
Although many of us believe having choices contributes to our happiness, having an overwhelming amount to choose from can have a down side. In other words, having more choices than previous generations creates stronger feelings of insecurity and fear of “making the wrong choice.” This not only creates stress and anxiety, it contributes to feelings of low self-esteem and low confidence. Moreover, having the ability to compare each other through social media feeds the fire of self-doubt.
According to Psychology Today, here are four practices that can help ease our choice anxiety:
1. BE O.K. WITH WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU.
Instead of feeling frustrated from not getting what you want, reframe your thinking into being happy with what you can access and realistically obtain. Be grateful for the resources, assets, and people that you have at your side and focus on your own path.
2. STOP SEEKING ALL OPPORTUNITIES.
You don’t need to exhaust all of your options to make a good choice. On the contrary, “trying it all out” can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. Instead, choose something that gives you joy or fulfills most of your desires, even if it isn’t your dream situation. Reflect on your interests and experiences to move in the direction towards the life you want to create for yourself.
3. VISUALIZE AND STRATEGIZE.
Plan, plan, plan!
Make a list of concrete goals and create realistic, tangible and specific strategies to reach those goals. The more we plan what we want, the less anxious we are about an infinite amount of options. Planning and consistency are crucial for progression and growth.
4. PRIORITIZE
Make a list of the top 3-5 things that are most important to you. Stay dedicated and Don’t agonize all of the other things you are missing. You will only feel more anxious and be less productive in reaching your goals. Cut through the noise by establishing your top priorities and accomplishing them before moving your mind onto the next thing.
In Conclusion…
With so much to choose from, no wonder we are all extremely stressed and insecure about our futures. However, not managing stress and anxiety can be deeply damaging. Not only is it damaging to our physical and mental wellbeing, it can take a toll on our relationships and overall quality of life.
Talk therapy can be a good way to learn strategies to manage stress and anxiety. It can also help you manage your relationships during difficult or stressful times.
Do you need help overcoming your anxiety? Let’s chat during a FREE consultation to see how I can help.
– Brenda Perry, AMFT