Causes and Effects of Stress per Generation and How to Cope with It
April is Stress Awareness Month, a time when we reflect on the impact stress has on our mental and physical health. Stress affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but the causes and effects of stress can differ depending on one’s age and life experiences. In this article, we will explore the most common causes of stress per generation, how stress manifests in our minds and bodies, and provide five tips to cope with stress.
Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers: How They Experience Stress
Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers all experience stress, but the triggers and sources of stress differ.
For Millennials, financial stress is a significant cause of anxiety. According to Bankrate, Millennials reported the highest levels of financial stress, with nearly three-quarters of respondents citing money as a significant source of stress.
For Generation X, balancing work and family responsibilities is a top cause of stress. A study by the American Psychological Association found that Gen Xers were more likely to report feeling stressed due to family responsibilities than any other generation.
Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are more likely to report stress related to health concerns. Additionally, and according to the CDC, Baby Boomer caregivers are more likely to experience regular mental distress and have chronic health issues than individuals who do not provide care, increasing their vulnerability to becoming care recipients themselves.
How Stress Affects Our Mind and Body
Regardless of the cause, stress can manifest itself in both our minds and bodies. Chronic stress can have long-lasting effects on our health, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Stress affects our minds by causing us to feel anxious, worried, or overwhelmed. Chronic stress can also lead to burnout, a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to stress.
Stress also affects our bodies in a variety of ways, causing muscle tension and pain, digestive issues, and weakened immune systems.
Tips to Cope with Stress
Now that we’ve explored the causes and effects of stress, let’s discuss five tips to cope with stress.
- Exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress and boost mood. Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and focusing on the present rather than worrying about the future or ruminating on the past.
- Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and make it harder to cope with daily challenges.
- Connect with Others: Social support is essential for managing stress. Spending time with friends and family, joining a support group, or volunteering can all help reduce stress and provide a sense of community.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care activities is crucial to managing stress and preventing burnout. This can include anything from taking a bubble bath to reading a book, to getting a massage.
Bottom Line
Stress is an inevitable part of life, but we can take steps to manage it and prevent its negative effects on our mental and physical health. By understanding the causes and effects of stress per generation and implementing these five tips, we can improve our well-being and lead healthier, happier lives. As we observe Stress Awareness Month this April, let’s make a commitment to prioritize self-care and stress management in our daily lives.
What are some of your personal practices to cope with stress? Have you ever tried one of the 5 tips listed above? I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment or reach out to me via Twitter or Facebook. At LexION Capital, our priority is to make our clients’ financial goals a reality by providing hands-on wealth management solutions, backed up by science-based insights into the financial industry. We help you maintain well-diversified investment plans. Should you need help in the aspect of financial growth, please visit my company’s website, LexION Capital.
Elle Kaplan is the founder and CEO of LexION Capital, a fiduciary wealth management firm in New York City serving everyone who feels left out by traditional “Wall Street”, including women and the families they love.
