GENERATION Z IS TAKING ACTION ON THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
Research shows that Generation Z is in worse mentally and physically states than other generations. Increased screen time and a lack of social contact due to the ongoing pandemic have been shown to impact their mental health negatively. It is proved that you create better self-esteem by interacting more with nature.
It might be a bitterly cold Saturday in mid-January, but Hyde Park (London) has been flooded with teenagers and young adults this last week. Due to the previous two years being affected by lockdowns, isolations, and quarantines, Hyde Park has not been seen like this in a good while. The city of London is still facing a massive Covid-19 outbreak with over 2 million cases since the pandemic began, but who can blame them? Being pretty much disconnected from friends, daily social contact, and the outside world for over two years has had an enormous impact on them. Reconnecting with nature and acting to better your mental health has never been a more excellent idea.
Mental health issues caused by Covid 19
There is no secret that lack of social contact, increased screen time, and less physical activity can negatively impact someone’s mental health. Generation Z is in a stage of life where they are more likely to feel stressed about life situations they are not used to. This life stage already presents you with many challenges you have never faced before, and there is a lot to learn. Covid has made these life impressions more challenging for Gen Z, and several find it more difficult, for instance, to pursue their education and career goals, find jobs, or have a romantic relationship. American Psychological Association (APA) revealed a survey this December that shows that 49 per cent of Generation Z experience heightened difficulty in maintaining their mental health. Another study finds Gen Z in worse mental and physical states than other generations.
Studies show that there are countless benefits of having a solid relationship with the outdoors. Spending time in nature can act as a balm for our soul and mind. Research has shown that interacting more with nature can reduce stress and anxiety and create better self-esteem.
Dr. Ove Andre Bjerkan is a doctor specialising in plenty of subjects around mental health. The last year, he researched how daily contact with nature can impact our mental health. He states:
“By being more outside in natural environments, our bodies release less cortisol and produce more natural endorphins, which cause more joyful thoughts and feelings of happiness. Daily contact with nature is also proven to reduce levels of chronic stress. Nature Deprivation is a medical term that describes that the lack of time in nature and increased time in front of screens is associated with depression. The use of this term increased enormously after the Covid crisis.”
– Ovis A. B., 2022.
We spoke to two girls walking around Hyde Park this morning:
–What is it that brings you out to the park this frosty Saturday?
“Due to corona restrictions, there is not a lot we can do nowadays that excludes social contact, so we think it’s a great solution to meet friends and socialise outside for now. The pandemic has made life challenging, but we find it helpful to socialize and get some fresh air.
The clothing line Asos also launched a new feature in their app two days ago, which wants us to go out in natural environments in Greater London to gather discount codes and free gifts. That is the reason why we are in this specific place. The app feature has had many friends and acquaintances walking around London the last two days. We all want to gather as many offers as possible. We found a symbol close to where we are standing right now with a personalised discount code with 50 per cent off! It is a great way to drive Londoners out of their homes in the times we are in.”