The “Stress” Generation

StressGenerationJacquie Eubanks RN BSNApproximately 81 million young people born between 1982 and 2002 comprise the millennial generation. If you are a millennial, or the parent of a millennial, you may be aware that the millennial generation experiences a higher level of stress, and are thought to be less able to manage stress than any previous generation. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that millennials experience high levels of anxiety, and are twice as likely to have a diagnosed anxiety disorder than baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964. Stress can be the cause of frustration, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, unhealthy behaviors, a lack of motivation, or the inability to make the necessary changes to help individuals cope and manage their stressors.

In-depth reports show that up to 30% of employed millennials have generalized anxiety. An American College Health Association (ACHA) assessment found that 61% of college students regularly feel anxious. While all generations report their stress levels to be higher than what they themselves consider healthy, some are referring to millennials as the “stress generation,” as they report not only the highest amounts of stress, but also the least amount of relief. Stress, or distress, that continues without respite can manifest as headaches, elevated blood pressure, sleepless nights, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, agitation, stomach issues and other mental, physical and emotional problems.

Many point to high college debt and a tough job market, stemming from a lack of higher paying employment opportunities for college graduates, as major causes of millennial stress. Others say that millennials face “choice overload,” making it difficult not only to make choices, but to stand by them. Part of this arises from a state of social anxiety or what’s become known as FOBO, fear of better options, resulting in constant worry and second guessing their decisions. As the first generation to grow up with fast changing technology, as well as the sometimes-overwhelming need to manage their lives within the context of social media oversaturation, taking steps to cope with stress and streamline their options can help to redefine their objectives and purposefulness.

Poor sleep habits, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, all contribute to increased levels of stress. In general, younger Americans fall short when it comes to engaging in activities that naturally manage stress, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Together with an improved diet and increased physical activity, supplements can help to relieve stress related symptoms and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Some key benefits of supplementation may include better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, improved mood and focus, and increased energy and productivity levels.

  • Taken as a supplement, L- theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea, can significantly increase focus and attention. Its relaxation effects help to reduce tension and anxiety without inducing drowsiness.
  • A magnesium deficiency can magnify feelings of stress and anxiety, and result in low energy stores. Magnesium inhibits the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, improves sleep quality and energy production, and supports overworked adrenal glands.
  • Synthesized naturally in the brain, GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in reducing anxiety and stress, and helps to improve mood, and aid restful, restorative sleep.
  • Necessary for energy production, B Complex vitamins have been shown to reduce stress and elevate mood by improving the body’s natural production of serotonin, an inhibitory, stabilizing neurotransmitter.
  • Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplementation among a cohort of young healthy people was shown to reduce psychological stress, inflammation and anxiety about the future.

Professional Supplement Center carries high quality supplements for support of stress management and overall wellness:

L-Theanine (98740)L-Theanine by Douglas Laboratories: One serving supplies 100 mg of L-theanine, a unique and natural amino acid known to support healthy mental function, as well as calmness and relaxation without inducing drowsiness. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free vegan formulation.

 

Magnesium (glycinate...Magnesium Glycinate by Pure Encapsulations®: This highly bioavailable form of magnesium chelate supports the metabolism and utilization of nutrients, energy production, and the proper functioning of many enzymatic and physiological functions. Magnesium glycinate is less likely to cause bowel discomfort than other forms of magnesium. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Gaba 750 mg

 

GABA by Integrative Therapeutics: One capsule provides 750 mg of GABA in support of healthy neurotransmitter production. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free vegetarian formulation.

 

B Complex PlusB Complex Plus by Pure Encapsulations: This hypoallergenic formula provides an exceptional blend of highly absorbable B vitamins in support of energy production and proper nervous system functioning. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Active B-ComplexActive B-Complex by Integrative Therapeutics: This supplement provides a full complement of bioavailable B vitamins that can be directly utilized to support biochemical processes, including neurotransmitter and energy production, as well as visual and mental clarity. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free vegetarian formulation. NSF certified.

 

Pure Omega HPPure Omega HP by Integrative Therapeutics: Sustainably sourced Omega-3 in triglyceride form is designed to support healthy cognitive function, reduced anxiety and a healthy inflammatory response. Gluten, wheat, soy, yeast and dairy free formulation. NSF certified.

 

OmegaGenics® EPA-DHA...OmegaGenics® EPA-DHA 720 by Metagenics®: Each softgel provides concentrated, sustainably sourced, pharmaceutical grade essential fatty acids in an easily absorbable triglyceride form in support of overall health and positive mood. Gluten and contaminant free, naturally preserved.

References:
It’s official: millennials are the most stressed-out generation. http://www.businessinsider.com/millennials-are-the-most-stressed-out-2015-2
Anxiety and Work: The Impact of Anxiety on Different Generations of Employees. http://www.bensingerdupont.com/filebin/pdfpublic/BDA_White_Paper-Anxiety_and_Work_4_3.pdf
Why are millennials so stressed? http://www.psypost.org/2016/05/why-are-millennials-so-stressed-43120
Stress by Generation. http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2012/generations.aspx
Calming the Brain. http://devdelay.org/newsletter/articles/html/127-calming-the-brain.html

 

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