by Claire Wortley, Content Team contributor

As a Gen Xer, someone born between 1965 and 1980, I don’t recall hearing people talk about stress when I was young. Life was life and we just got on with it.

However, that doesn’t mean that ‘stress’ didn’t exist. It probably means that the language was different; for example, we would express that we were ‘feeling the weight of responsibility’ around a situation or felt we were ‘letting the pressure get to us’.

I am loathe to admit it, but I have judged others when they have expressed being stressed and this is incredibly hypocritical on my part. What is it that makes me want to deny them their stress and concerns?

Chances are it’s the good old Gen X mindset of ‘pull yourself together and get on with it. Don’t stop to overthink or overanalyse’. Alongside thoughts of ‘I have enough to deal with without adding your stress to mine!’

So, what does cause us hardy Gen Xers stress and what can we do about it?

THE UNIQUE STRESS LANDSCAPE OF GEN XERS

We grew up during some major social and economic changes and witnessed the tech boom, shifts in family dynamics and the way workplaces evolved. Here’s how all of these things contribute to stress:

• Sandwich Generation Pressure

Many of us Gen Xers are juggling caring for ageing parents, supporting our own kids and even fitting in a job, which can be emotionally and financially tough.

Mornings are mayhem as you negotiate; getting kids up and ready for school or college, ensuring that your parent/s are safe and comfortable with the necessary care in place, all while prepping yourself for some hours at work. If one thing doesn’t go as planned, you are left reorganising your whole day in the blink of an eye.

• Career Uncertainty

Unlike our parents’ stable job market, we may be dealing with job instability, layoffs and the constant need to learn new skills. Even though the idea of not being stuck in one career can be appealing, the reality of having to go through the obstacle course of finding employment while negotiating the joys of middle age can be exhausting.

• Technological Transition

Keeping up with fast-paced tech changes at work and home can be stressful. I recall watching my own parents trying to work out how to use a VHS recorder and thinking to myself, ‘I will never be that useless with technology’. Well, now I eat humble pie yet again as I find myself taking longer than usual to work out the new layout on Excel or getting started on a new mobile phone. Oh, the shame!

Common Stress Triggers for Generation X

(Triggers, another word we rarely used back in the day.  The only trigger I knew of was the one on my brother’s cap gun!)

Knowing what stresses us Gen Xers out helps in finding ways to cope. Here are some common stressors:

• Financial Concerns – Mortgage payments, kids’ university fees and saving for retirement can be heavy burdens.
• Work-Life Balance – Balancing demanding jobs with family time often leads to guilt and burnout.
• Health Issues – As we get older, we face new health challenges, which can lead to anxiety about the future.
• Social Isolation – Busy lives and caregiving duties sometimes mean less socialising, which can lead to loneliness.

How Generation X Manages Stress

As Gen X, we tend to mix old-school and modern ways to deal with stress. Here are some common strategies:

Building Strong Support Networks

We often lean on close friends and family for emotional support and value deep, meaningful connections. Regular catchups with friends or family mealtimes help keep these bonds strong. Seeking out support groups can also offer a sense of community and shared experiences.

Prioritising Physical Health

Exercise and healthy habits are key stress busters: activities such as walking, yoga or cycling help ease tension. Being mindful of what we eat and drink play a vital part in our health, along with getting regular check-ups at the health centre. Don’t be tempted to miss those health tests for the over 50s!

Embracing Technology Wisely

Even though tech can be stressful, we can also use it to our advantage. Meditation apps and online therapy offer easy access to mental health support and well-being tips when in-person appointments aren’t possible. Calendar tools and reminders can help manage busy schedules and reduce stress. Good old Alexa and Siri.

Setting Boundaries at Work

Many in our generation know the importance of separating work from personal life and what this looks like e.g. turning off work emails after hours and negotiating flexible work arrangements when possible.

Practical Tips for Reducing Stress

Let’s look at some practical steps us Gen Xers can take to better manage stress:

Create a Daily Routine – Having a structure helps reduce uncertainty and gives a sense of control. It also helps with focus and productivity.

Practise Mindfulness or Calming Breathing Techniques – Simple breathing exercises or meditation can calm the mind during stressful times. In my opinion and experience, breathing exercises are vastly underrated because they don’t have the immediate effect of some medications. When practised for a few minutes each day, these techniques can go on to become your instinctive reaction to stress rather than you having to make a conscious effort to use them.

Seek Professional Help When Needed – A counsellor or therapist can help by providing guidance and tools to handle ongoing stress. You may also find your GP surgery has a social prescriber or link worker who can assist you with non-medical issues, such as financial, housing or well-being issues.

Engage in Hobbies – Doing what we love and enjoy is a huge well-being booster. Often as stress and pressure builds, we put these things to one side promising that we will get back to them when we have time. Make time for them now and reap the benefits.

Stay Connected – Making time for friends and community activities is a good way to fight isolation. Even us introverts need connection to ease the strains and stresses of life. I’m not suggesting that we all become social butterflies, but in keeping that link to others, we can help fend off feelings of loneliness and despair when things get too much.

Looking Ahead: Stress and Resilience

As Gen Xers, we have shown our ability to adapt. By recognising stress triggers and adopting healthy coping strategies, we can tackle life’s challenges with strength and balance.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over. Taking small, consistent steps to manage stress can lead to better health, relationships and overall happiness.