Gen Zs: Are you focusing on the right kind of self-care?

Hustle culture, characterised by the prevalence of ‘side hustles’ or ‘passion projects’, is not new among Gen Zs¹. Juggling school, co-curricular activities, and late-night dedication to their side hustles, Gen Zs such as yourself may face stressors such as getting excellent grades and the pressure to find a good job after graduation. It’s no wonder you may feel strained over time. Nearly half of all Gen Zs surveyed by Deloitte say they feel stressed all or most of the time². Over time, these factors can contribute to burnout.

While you hope to prioritise self-care, you may struggle to incorporate it into your daily life. It’s understandable if you feel like you don’t have enough time or that it requires a significant amount of effort. There’s also the common misconception that self-care is solely about relaxation and indulgence, whereas its true essence lies in nurturing mental well-being.

So how can you go about properly caring for yourself? Holistic self-care is all about taking care of yourself in a way that benefits both your mind and body, and ultimately enhancing your overall well-being³. It goes beyond just basic self-care activities and involves making mindful choices and taking actions that will bring long-term benefits and happiness to your future self.

Four ways on how to self-care (Your future self will thank you!)

Accept yourself for who you are

Self-acceptance is the key. In an appearance-obsessed world, we feel compelled to conform and seek validation. But here’s the truth: we don’t have to. We don’t have to change ourselves to be loved, seen as beautiful, or accepted. True acceptance starts within.

As Beyoncé wisely said, “Your self-worth is determined by you. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.”⁴

Make time for yourself

Making time for yourself is something that should be talked about more often. It doesn’t have to be a full day; even 30 minutes daily can make a difference. Some examples can be cooking, going to a movie you want to watch or even something as simple as reading a book. Allocating time for yourself enables self-discovery, inner peace, and the joy of your own company.

Use positive self-talk

When we develop more positive self-talk, it really helps us navigate tough situations that could otherwise make us feel super anxious. According to Psychology Today⁵, such dialogue typically provides emotional soothing, kindness, empathy and logic. Some examples include, “It’s okay to feel sad right now, but I know this feeling won’t last forever.” “I may not be good now, but I have to practice and learn from each mistake I make.”

Personal growth is an ongoing journey, it doesn’t follow a straight path. Take the time you need, and approach it with patience and self-acceptance. Above all, be kind to yourself.

Reflection and journalling

Many of us have experienced the joy of owning a diary in our younger years, using it to capture our thoughts and experiences. Well, guess what – journaling is not just for kids. It’s a valuable practice that can benefit adults too.

This act of journaling is another form of self-care activity. In fact, a mental health study⁶ found that individuals suffering from anxiety experienced a significant reduction in their stress levels by spending only 15 minutes a day writing positive entries in their journals. Furthermore, when you write journal, you can revisit your past entries and be able to witness your growth and progress over time.

Want to get started? You can check out this easy-to-follow guide on journaling.

Creating healthy self-care environment

When it comes to managing stress and taking care of ourselves, one thing we can’t overlook is how our surroundings affect us. I’m talking about everything from our relationships to workplaces (such as toxic workplace environments), electronic devices, social media and more. These elements can amp up our stress levels or help us find much-needed relief.

Increasingly, the idea of digital detox is gaining prominence as it has several purported benefits. For example, a study found that people who disconnect from electronic devices⁷ a few hours before going to sleep experience better quality of sleep. Similarly, social media detox⁸ can reportedly alleviate signs of depression and anxiety.

Self-care by investing in yourself

Investing in yourself is not only worthwhile but also a crucial part of holistic self-care. It pays dividends in your overall life satisfaction. There are various aspects to consider when investing in yourself, such as getting a headstart in your internships, managing your finances, prioritising your mental and physical health, and nurturing meaningful friendships (we covered some of these in the sections above too).

When it comes to your personal finance, it’s not just about crunching numbers—it’s about empowering yourself with financial stability and security. You can learn more about good financial habits to adopt when you’re starting work, such as budgeting, saving and developing your financial goals. This helps you build a strong financial foundation, enabling you to have the support to pursue your dreams and live life on your own terms.

While you’re at it, consider the importance of insurance. It may not be the most glamorous topic, but having the right insurance coverage can provide you with peace of mind and protect you from unexpected situations. And here’s an important note: even when you’re young and healthy, getting critical illness insurance is a smart move.

Safeguard for critical illness with FWD Flex insurance

FWD Flex insurance is specifically tailored with Gen Zs in mind, with affordable premiums from as low as S$3 a month⁹. The plan offers comprehensive coverage for all stages of cancer, late-stage heart attack, and late-stage stroke. With a range of sum insured options, starting from S$20,000 and going up to S$40,000, you can select the coverage amount that suits your specific needs and budget.

Think of FWD Flex insurance as a ‘starter pack’ for critical illness coverage. It is an entry-level insurance plan that provides you with affordable financial protection for major health conditions. While it may not cover every possible critical illness, it offers coverage for some of the most common ones (making up 90% of all critical illness claims in Singapore¹⁰).

Getting critical illness coverage online can be quick and easy. Get a quote and purchase FWD Flex from our website within minutes.