11 Gen Z Habits People Make Fun Of That Are Actually Pretty Good For You
Nothing Ahead | Pexels Older generations tend to criticize Gen Zers for their change-maker attitude towards traditional institutions and societal norms. They've been the driving force behind cultural and professional shifts that prioritize stability and mental wellness.
And while it's easy for people to make fun of them for having such a different outlook on life, they may be onto something. Gen Zers are more likely to prioritize their health and well-being, and that translates into the habits they have. People may not understand why, but young people do things that are actually good for you.
Habits Gen Z has that are actually good for you
1. Vlogging
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While it's not the form of emotional communication and connection everyone's confident enough to test out, vlogging can actually help people to be more present and aware of their daily routines and lifestyle choices.
Even if you're not posting it on social media, vlogging to your personal camera or seeking support online by venting about grief and daily struggles can be impactful for relieving unnecessary inner turmoil and isolation.
Gen Zers take to their phones and make videos when they want to express themselves. And if that's not a healthy behavior, then nothing is.
2. Prioritizing a work-life balance
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According to Roberta Katz, a former senior research scholar at Stanford, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and strong professional boundaries is incredibly important to Gen Zers. This generation is more cognizant of the potential consequences a lack of this boundary has on their mental and emotional well-being.
They're one of the first generations to truly express that our lives can be more than just work. They make it a priority to fill their lives with fulfilling hobbies and unique interests outside of work.
Alongside those work-life balance expectations, Gen Z has also pushed for more hybrid flexibility in their jobs, using trends like coffee badging or quiet vacationing to argue that productivity and employee well-being don't have to be dependent on rigid workplace rules.
3. Wearing chunky sneakers
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While chunky white sneakers have come in and out of Gen Z fashion trends over the past few years, they've largely been criticized for being cartoonish, despite having practical benefits. Choosing comfort over traditional style and opting for sensible chunky sneakers is a habit podiatrists are loving.
Alongside other fashion shifts like athleisure amongst Gen Zers, it's clear that even though people make fun of it, there are great benefits to prioritizing comfort over fashion.
4. Cultivating online friendships
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With technological shifts and the growth of social media, many Gen Zers use their phones to connect with existing friends and make new ones in communities online. In isolated areas where they might not have shared interests or identities, they can use the internet to create healthier support systems
So, while it might be a confusing concept for older generations to grasp, and they may make fun of Gen Zers for it, making friends online is actually pretty good for you. For people experiencing loneliness, online communities and friendships can be incredibly impactful for boosting positive mental health outcomes and general happiness.
5. Using Snapchat to communicate
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We're used to older generations poking fun at young people for being on social media constantly. But it turns out Gen Zers who use Snapchat as their primary form of online communication report greater satisfaction and happiness in their relationships with friends and family than strictly text messagers.
While in-person social connection seems to be best, especially for impressionable young Gen Zers, adding the face-to-face element when chatting with Snapchat's camera feature can help to simulate a similar sense of connection.
6. Taking silent walks
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Gen Z isn't shy about coining trendy new phrases for existing self-care practices, similar to silent walking or hot girl walks. These terms have sparked controversy in older generations who have been integrating them into their routines for decades.
But by popularizing existing trends, Gen Z can find community in practices that bring them genuine health benefits. Especially with many Gen Zers experiencing overwhelming anxiety when their phones aren't within arms reach, taking silent walks helps them get outside and set healthier boundaries with technology.
7. Shopping at luxury organic food stores
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While they receive a lot of misguided criticism for their spending habits from older generations, Gen Zers aren't splurging on their grocery trips. They're simply prioritizing health and nutrition in ways that have become a financial luxury.
Whether it's Whole Foods or a farmer's market, Gen Z is focused on buying foods that give them energy and fuel their mental health. While it might feel immature or unrealistic to older generations, many Gen Zers can't even consider the feasibility of the same financial dreams.
Instead, they focus on the present moment and how they can invest in their own emotional and physical well-being with intentional purchases.
8. Following 'flexitarian' eating habits
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With food-forward trends characteristic of Gen Z, many younger generations are figuring out ways to make their diets and eating habits into a more fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle. Stepping out the rigid definitions and regulations of veganism and vegetarianism, they instead adopt flexible food choices, coined "flexitarianism."
Not only are "flexitarians" largely more satisfied and fulfilled with their food choices, like only eating meat once a week or opting for a less rigid diet on vacations, but they're making a positive environmental impact.
9. Challenging business casual expectations
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While pop culture and social media users tend to poke fun at Gen Zers who challenge traditional business casual dresswear in workplaces, the majority of the shifts this generation has empowered are helping to make it easier and more feasible to fit in at a career.
These Gen Z trends help to prioritize employee comfort that influences productivity in positive ways. And it also helps to make achieving a sense of belonging and professionalism at work more financially affordable.
10. Spam-posting on social media
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Many younger generations are prioritizing a raw and real approach to expression and creativity by opting for less filters and more chaotic social media posts. Other people make fun of their tendency to do this, but it speaks to the freedom this generation has with acceptance among peers.
On social media platforms that were largely curated and moderated by older generations, Gen Z opts for the ugly over the traditionally beautiful. They aren't afraid to push the boundaries of societal expectations in the name of authenticity.
11. Taking 'everything' showers
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While there's a good chance older generations have adopted similar hygiene practices, Gen Z has popularized the term "everything showers." This characterizes the long self-care showers you do a couple times a month, and includes everything including washing your hair and shaving.
While they might seem absurd to some, they are incredibly restorative and healthy. It gives people the chance to carve out intentional time for self-care, while also knocking out several hygienic practices that can become stressful amid their daily routine.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
