Consultancy Corner: Gen Y faces more stress due to technology

Millennials make up the highest percentage of ‘work martyrs’. They work long hours and don’t take vacations.

Moreover, millennials are making 20% less than the previous generation at the same point, and lower income is associated with high stress. Apart from work, technology has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of its user, termed as ‘constant checkers’, who constantly check their email, texts and social media accounts.

The survey found that stress levels runs high, for constant checkers than for those who do not engage in it often. Even though we’re concerned about the impact of technology on our health, many of us don’t try to change our relationship.

Allostasis and Allostatic overload: Allostasis is the body’s attempt to achieve stability through life’s challenges. Allostatic load refers to the “wear and tear on the body” that accumulates when we are exposed to repeated or chronic stressors.  These stressors can be internal (illness, poor nutrition, physical strain, hypertension, insomnia, autoimmune diseases or external (life changes, bills, job / work related issues, pollution, relationship issues, anxiety, depression) or both. Over time,  this puts a strain on the body and multiplies the psychological and physical health related problems inducing cardiac disease at a young age. Some health issues are hypertension, insulin resistance (DM) and heart disease (heart attack). Also psychological unhealthy behavioral changes including smoking, alcohol,unhealthy food, irregular exercise and insomnia will lead to depression and suicidal tendencies.

Don’t sleep with your phone: At least an hour before bed, put your phone away. Bonus points if you turn it off. Control the temptation to check your phone as it will not only benefit your sleep cycle but also reduce stressful ruminations throughout the night.

Bringing work home: When we act as ‘work martyrs’ and take our work back home, we don’t have a clear distinction between working and living. It’s too easy to continue checking emails or answering texts throughout the evening, and it doesn’t allow our nervous systems to take a break. Set a time when you’ll be done with work, especially if you work from home. Have an automated response that makes people know you are not available but will be sure to address their message in the morning.

Have a detox day: At least once a month, be free from technology. Think of it as a challenge in addition to something for your wellbeing. What’s it like to manage without constant stimulation? How present can you be with the things around you? What creative ideas arise in the absence of information overload?

Don’t watch TV after work: This might seem counter intuitive. We turn to TV as a means of being entertained but the truth is, unless you’re watching something funny, TV doesn’t allow your nervous systems to relax, keeping your heart rate up and blood pressure high. This makes it harder to sleep, Save your shows for the weekend and go on a walk instead, or call up a friend, or read a book.