Saturday, 9 November 2019

8 in 10 millennials don't think they are ‘good enough’.

Guest post from news agency SWNS Digital.


A study of 2,000 22-38 year-olds found being under pressure to be lucky in love, succeed in their careers and meet the expectations of their peers means three quarters feel increasingly ‘overwhelmed’.

For seven in 10, stresses such as going to the gym regularly, being active on social media and earning enough money also mean it gets ‘a bit much’ from time to time.

Worryingly, 80% said the pressure is so significant it has affected their sleep, while 79% admit their mental health has been impacted too.

It also emerged the average millennial feels like they aren't good enough 130 times a year.

David Jiscoot, from Alpro, which commissioned the research to launch it's 'Good For You' campaign, said: “It’s clear to see from our research that millennials are feeling huge pressures to ‘be their best selves’.

"Alpro want to reassure those feeling overwhelmed that in real life, good is good enough and it’s the small, positive changes that are what can make a huge difference.”

The research also found other ways young adults are feeling the strain include trying to walk 10,000 plus steps a day, getting on the property ladder, and keeping up to date with the latest fashions.

They also feel a pressure to stay on top of their housework, make friends and be socially active.

Having to work long hours, owning a nice car, and successfully consuming all of their ‘five a day’ are significant stresses for young adults too.

For three quarters of those polled, trying to be successful in every single aspect of their lives has had a negative effect on their relationships.

Similarly, 6 in 10 have found pressure to do well has hindered rather than helped their career.

Even their finances have taken a knock with 62% admitting to spending more money than they can afford in order to fit in.

Worryingly, more than a quarter said much of the pressure they feel comes from their parents, with a fifth putting the blame on social media.

Another 17% said their mates are the cause.

However, around half admitted they are their own worst enemy - putting themselves under 'excessive' levels of pressure.

The research also found a greater proportion of millennial women (82%) believe they aren’t good enough compared to young men (73%).

They also consider having enough money to be the number one pressure in their lives, while males said ensuring they eat ‘healthily’ is the biggest pressure they feel.

Those living in Northern Ireland tend to think they aren’t good enough 160 times a year – higher than any other region.

But young adults from the West Midlands feel like this least frequently – 112 occasions over a 12 month period.

The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found 58% believe the expectations to do well are simply ‘unrealistic’.

David Jiscoot added: “Alpro’s ‘Good For You’ campaign is all about championing the underdog; celebrating anyone trying to make small, positive changes to the good of their health, and the health of our planet – whatever these may look like.”

TOP 30 PRESSURES ON MILLENNIALS:

1. Eating ‘healthily’
2. Having enough money
3. Sticking to my diet
4. Going to the gym regularly
5. Walking 10,000 plus steps a day
6. Eating my five a day
7. Working long hours
8. Making friends
9. Getting enough sleep/sleeping properly
10. Being sociable
11. Ensuring I look ‘good’
12. Holding down a successful relationship
13. Paying off debts e.g. student loan, credit card
14. Having an even work/life balance
15. Keeping on top of housework
16. Meeting a partner
17. Not worrying about what other people think of me
18. Meeting deadlines and targets at work
19. Buying a house
20. Sticking to vegan/vegetarian foods
21. Fitting in
22. Starting a family
23. Getting to work on time
24. Keeping up to date with the latest clothing fashions
25. Earning as much as my friends
26. Driving a ‘good’ car
27. Being active on social media
28. Travelling widely
29. Having a degree
30. Living with house mates

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