In the media, millennials often get a bad rap as a lazy, entitled generation with their eyes permanently fixed on their smartphones. However, this is a rather sweeping generalization to make for all Americans age 18 to 33. Although many people believe that the twenties are the more carefree years in life, that’s simply not the case for the majority of millennials. According to the American Psychological Association, millennials have the highest average of stress levels in our country. Why is our youth so stressed out?

Student Loan Debt

Student loan debt is worse than ever, and over 44 million Americans are paying off student loan debts. In fact, our country currently has over a trillion dollars in student loan debt. Because attending college is so expensive, more students are dropping out before obtaining a degree. According to Time, half of bachelor degree recipients graduated with debt that averaged just over $10,000 from 1993 to 1994. In 2017, about two-thirds of bachelor degree recipients will graduate with an average of $35,000.

Why is student loan debt increasing at such rapid rates? Government support for postsecondary education and grants are not keeping up with the rising tuition costs. Families are now shouldering more of the financial burden of rising college costs than the federal and state governments.

Rising Cost of Living

According to GoBankingRates.com, the growing cost of living is the number one financial concern for a quarter of Americans. Following our financial recession, home prices have dramatically increased, especially in cities, where so many jobs are located. On top of paying student loan debt, millennials must also pay high rent costs.

Healthcare

Our exorbitant healthcare costs affect the entire country, including millennials. Health insurance premiums can cost over $300 a month, which some millennials simply cannot afford, especially if they have to pay their rent and student loan debts.

Wages Aren’t Keeping Up

According to a Pew Research Center study, wages have barely risen over the past two decades. However, the cost of living, student loan debt and healthcare costs have skyrocketed. It’s no wonder that so many millennials are struggling to pay their bills.

Behaviors to Avoid

With millennials feeling so stressed about finances, they are more vulnerable to engaging in unhealthy coping techniques. This includes spending unhealthy amounts of time watching TV or surfing the internet, overeating, drinking and smoking.

Unfortunately, the more time you spend zoning out in front of the TV, the more stressed you will feel. The best way to feel better is to simply go outside and take a walk. You could also engage in a creative activity such as writing, drawing, reading or playing an instrument.

If you are a stressed out millennial, it’s important to take care of your health, which starts with the basics. Make sure you are sleeping enough each night, regularly exercising and eating a healthy diet. If you would like to further optimize yourself, check out our health supplements online, which includes our rhodiola supplement, Rosavin®. Browse our health supplement store selection to find the perfect product for you.