HealthyHabitsForYoungAdults

What is Mental Health?

Mental health affects how an individual thinks, feels, and acts. It is a combination of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Our mental health determines how we make healthy choices, relate to others, and handle stress. 

Common Stress Factors Affecting People in their Twenties

  • Career pressure: Many people in their twenties are establishing their careers. The pressure to find a job, perform well, or choose the right career path can be significant. 
  • Financial concerns: This age group often deals with student loan, rent, and other financial responsibilities. Balancing expenses, saving, and investing can be stressful (Hunt, 2010). 
  • Educational pressure: Those pursuing further education, like graduate school, may face academic stress, including exams, projects, and thesis work. 
  • Relationships: Developing and maintaining relationships, whether romantic, friendships, or family, can be challenging. Breakups, conflicts, or societal pressures to settle down can add stress. 
  • Living situations: Moving out, living with roommates, or transitioning to a new city or country requires adjustment and can be a source of stress (Hunt, 2010). 
  • Health and well-being: Establishing healthy habits, managing physical health, or dealing with mental health challenges can be significant stressors. 
  • Uncertainty about the future: The sense of uncertainty regarding personal and professional goals, and general life direction can lead to anxiety. 
  • Work-life balance: Balancing work, social life, family obligations, and personal time can be challenging and stressful. 



GoodTherapy, The Challenges of Your 20s

Managing Stress

  1. Relaxation techniques: engaging in activities that trigger the relaxation response, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and guided imagery. 
  2. Exercise regularly: physical activity reduces stress hormones and releases endorphins, improving mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise activity per week, such as walking or biking, and muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week. 
  3. Get enough sleep: establish a regular sleep schedule and ensure your bedroom is comfortable and conducive to rest. 
  4. Eat healthy: maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Avoid excessive alcohol and drugs.
  5. Practice mindfulness: mindfulness meditation helps you focus on the present moment without judgment, reducing stress and anxiety. 
  6. Manage time and set goals: organize and prioritize tasks, and set realistic goals. The Pomodoro technique can help you manage your time effectively. 
  7. Seek professional help: if stress becomes overwhelming, consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other professional counseling. 
Harvard Health Publishing

References

Hunt, J., & Eisenberg, D. (2010). Mental health problems and help-seeking behavior among college students. Journal of Adolescent Health, 46(1), 3-10.
doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.08.008

Pelletier, J. E., M.P.H., & Laska, Melissa N.,PhD., R.D. (2012). Balancing healthy meals and busy lives: Associations between work, school, and family responsibilities and perceived time constraints among young adults. J Nutr Educ Behav, 44(6), 481-489. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2012.04.001


Whitley, J. O. (1979). Mental Health of College Students. Journal of American College Health Association, 28(2), 92–95. https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.unlv.edu/10.1080/01644300.1979.10392901