Gen Z เกือบ 70% นอนไม่หลับเพราะเงิน กับคำถามการเงินที่ช่วยให้หลับได้คืนนี้ | THE STANDARD WEALTH

The increasing stress levels among Gen Z, particularly concerning financial stability, are a growing concern that extends across all generations. A recent AMEP survey of Thai individuals revealed that financial stress significantly impacts sleep, with Gen Z experiencing the highest percentage of sleep-related issues at 52%, followed by Millennials (Gen Y) at 50%, Gen X at 45%, and Baby Boomers at 38%. A significant 69% of Gen Z members reported lying awake in bed, unable to sleep due to financial worries, the highest proportion among all age groups. Beyond money, 47% of Gen Z expressed concerns about job security, a sentiment shared by 38% of Gen Y and 35% of Gen X. Housing rental costs are another major stressor, with 47% of Gen Z expressing concern, making it the highest-ranking issue across all generations. Economic news, often filled with negative headlines, contributes to this anxiety, with 46% of Gen Z worrying about its impact. In response to this stress, many Gen Z individuals have adopted coping mechanisms that, while seemingly helpful, can exacerbate the problem. For instance, 57% turn to social media when feeling disappointed or stressed about money, only to encounter more negative economic news or compare their lives to others' seemingly perfect online existences, leading to increased stress and feelings of disconnection. A notable 37% of Gen Z engage in "rotting," or listlessly lying around, lacking the motivation to get up and spend money, a common trend among this age group. Prolonged stress can also lead to "ironic spending behavior," where individuals, unable to achieve major financial goals like buying a house due to high costs, instead spend on smaller, immediate gratifications. This includes purchasing brand-name goods, expensive coffee, or booking temporary trips. While these provide fleeting enjoyment, they often result in increased debt and continued financial stress, creating a cycle of worry and poor sleep. To break this cycle, it's crucial to confront financial problems directly rather than avoiding them. The fear of financial issues is often worse than the reality. By acknowledging the problem and focusing on facts rather than emotions, individuals can begin to plan and reduce their anxieties. A key strategy is to focus on controllable financial factors, such as daily spending habits and automatic savings plans, rather than panicking about uncontrollable elements like the global economy or social media. This shift in focus helps the brain perceive a sense of control, gradually reducing anxiety and improving sleep. The speaker emphasizes the detrimental loop where financial stress leads to poor sleep, which in turn impairs physical and mental well-being, exacerbating financial problems. To break this toxic circuit, it's recommended to set aside 15-20 minutes daily to review banking apps, track income and expenses, and list financial problems with actionable solutions. After this dedicated time, it's important to put these worries aside and focus on rest, celebrating small steps taken towards resolution. Instead of fixating on overwhelming long-term goals, breaking down financial challenges into smaller, manageable steps can be more effective. This could involve creating a daily budget, reducing discretionary spending like bubble tea or coffee, and focusing on small, consistent actions that foster a sense of control over one's finances. This proactive approach helps individuals realize their potential to manage their own financial well-being, building resilience for when the economy improves. The speaker offers encouragement to Gen Z, advising them to put down their phones, take a deep breath, and reflect on their own agency. Emphasizing that sleeping is not a waste of time but an investment in health, a healthy body and clear mind are essential for effective problem-solving. Journaling affirmations like "you can do it" can also boost self-encouragement. Comparing Gen Z's struggles with those of other generations, the speaker notes that each generation faces unique challenges. While Gen Z may not have children or elderly parents to care for yet, making their current burdens seem lighter than Gen Y's, the frequency of crises might be higher for younger generations. The speaker contrasts this with past crises, like the 1997 economic downturn, which were severe but followed by a gradual recovery. Today, crises like the recent pandemic and ongoing geopolitical conflicts seem to occur more frequently, making it harder to predict and adapt. However, drawing on the wisdom of figures like Charlie Munger, the speaker reminds listeners that overall, life has improved significantly compared to the past. Often, people focus too much on what they lack or what they expect, ignoring the progress already made. Adjusting one's perspective and having lower expectations can lead to greater happiness and reduced stress. The speaker recommends two books: "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling, which highlights how the world is improving daily despite negative perceptions, and a book on personal finance that encourages making money work for you. The importance of reading books is stressed as a way to gain wisdom and a framework for understanding information, unlike fragmented news updates. Books offer filtered, reflected, and carefully considered insights that can provide a comprehensive mindset for tackling financial challenges. The summary concludes with an encouragement to support each other and stay mindful, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and positive action.