The pursuit of our dreams and goals often brings a mix of emotions, with stress and anxiety being constant companions. As we navigate significant areas of our lives, such as our careers, families, and future, stress can feel inevitable. Everyone has a unique relationship with stress, and responses can vary widely. For some, the pressure of tight deadlines, high stakes, or intense conditions can be motivating and lead to improved performance. For others, stress can have the opposite effect, lowering self-esteem, impairing performance, and leaving them feeling like they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. Even in moments of joy, purpose, and fulfillment, feelings like self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and an inner critic often lurk in the background.
In today’s landscape, young adults—especially those between 18 and 34—face a distinct form of stress. As they transition from education to the next stage of life, whether it’s starting a career, building a family, or defining future aspirations, the pressure can be overwhelming. This generation is also uniquely tied to digital spaces, where stress is amplified through constant connectivity. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), financial uncertainty and a sense of isolation due to disconnected social interactions have led to a concerning rise in stress among young adults. A staggering 58% of individuals in this age group report feeling “completely overwhelmed” by stress to the point of becoming “numb.” This heightened stress experience reflects the complexities and challenges that define this transitional phase of life, where the pressures of success, financial stability, and meaningful connections often feel heavier than ever before.
Consider your financial situation and capacity
Taking a moment to reflect on our finances can be a powerful step in building a healthier relationship with money. By setting clear financial goals—whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a car or home, or building a nest egg for the future—you give yourself a sense of direction and purpose. Even if you don’t have a detailed plan for the next 5, 10, or 15 years, knowing what you want to achieve financially can help guide your decisions and actions. It’s also important to recognize and manage financial triggers that can lead to impulsive spending, like the constant bombardment of advertisements or social media trends that create urgency to buy. Minimizing time spent on shopping sites, scrolling through curated feeds, or casually window shopping can help you resist the temptation to make purchases that might derail your financial goals. By becoming more aware of these influences, you can make more intentional choices that align with your long-term financial well-being.
To rot or not to rot: Manage Your Relationship with Technology
The rise of “senseless” humor in entertainment and social media highlights a deeper need for mental breaks and stress relief in a world that never stops. Constant connectivity and the pressure to always be productive, especially among college students and young adults, can create an overwhelming sense of burnout. While “rotting”—or taking a mental break—can be a necessary way to decompress, it becomes problematic when it interferes with essential areas of wellness, such as sleep and physical health. It’s important to create boundaries, like keeping your bed reserved strictly for sleep, and reducing screen time before bed. By shifting relaxation habits to areas other than the bedroom, such as the couch or dinner table, we can still take time to unwind while minimizing negative impacts on sleep quality and overall well-being. Balancing relaxation with self-care can help mitigate the harmful effects of constant screen time and foster a healthier lifestyle.
Stay connected (socially)
Isolation is another frequently reported stressor in young adults, with many feeling that it has been difficult to maintain relationships post-college and high school. Staying socially connected with others plays a crucial role in alleviating the intense daily stress that many people experience. Human interaction provides emotional support, allowing individuals to express their feelings, share their struggles, and gain perspectives that can lighten their burdens. Engaging in social activities, whether through friendships, family gatherings, or community events, helps foster a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. According to surveys by VeryWellMind (2024), entertaining friends or hosting dinner parties had a 68% positive impact on mental health. Social connections also promote positive emotions, laughter, and relaxation, which are essential for maintaining mental health. By leaning on others, people can navigate stress more effectively, build resilience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
By Michael Anders, LCSWA
Michael Anders is a therapist with Mathews Counseling. You can learn more about his availability here.
All April, we are focusing our blog series around Stress Awareness Month and identifying stressors and implementing coping mechanisms. You can find the series here:
Part 1: How Couples Can Reduce Stress and Deepen Emotional Intimacy
Part 2: 10 Everyday Stress-Relief Techniques That Actually Work
Part 3: TIPP Skills: Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing & PMR for Stress
Part 4: Coping with Stress as a Young Adult: Practical Tips for Everyday Life
