How Gen Z Moves for Mental Health

The term 'heavy lifting' is emblematic of a generation that is trying to balance hybrid work and content as life with independent living and holistic health. From training in new ways to emphasising movement over aesthetic muscle, here's how Gen Z goes from strength to strength.

- By Sohini Dey

Our brain has all these tabs open, all the time," says 27-year-old Tanusha Bajaj.

"You are never really 100 per cent in the moment because you are constantly thinking of other things to do." Hyderabad-based Bajaj is co-founder of The Secret Supper Club, and also dabbles in content creation, styling, and PR and marketing. It is a hectic lifestyle by all counts, and easily stressful. Bajaj has suffered from anxiety in the past and swears by therapy. She is now building on her everyday wellness journey. "My friends and I pick one activity every week to try. It could be Pilates, kick-boxing, or even a sound therapy session," she says. When work felt overwhelming recently, Bajaj stepped away for a weekend at a wellness retreat in Kolkunda, Telangana. "It felt nice to take a break and detach myself. I had a different energy when I returned," she adds.

Seeking mental and emotional well-being can feel like running an ultramarathon. Call it life in the 21st century—riddled with deadlines, never-ending to-dos, sleep deprivation, FOMO, financial instability, climate anxiety, body image issues, and social media drivel. Anxiety cuts across generations, though it can feel particularly hard on the youth that is facing a future where these challenges may amplify. “Somebody's watchin’ me, it’s my anxiety,” Doechii sings—for all of us. For Gen Z, however, growing up in the age of social media and hyper-connected lifestyles, well-being is a part of daily conversations and coming-of-age rituals. The ‘Gen Z: Calling for Healthcare Connection and Change’ report, released by communications agency Burson, said that 63 per cent Indian Zoomers cited mental health as a top concern for them, and about 53 per cent are keen to explore holistic or alternative treatments.

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