Gen Z is Going Back to Basics on Health

The human body is a machine that turns food, sleep, and fresh air into creativity, progress, inspiration, and experiences. Every day, its systems cooperate seamlessly to allow people to move, think, discover, socialize, and enjoy life.

Even more remarkable is what’s needed to keep this machine running well. Young people are increasingly prioritizing fundamental wellness habits — things like quality sleep and proper nutrition — over more complex health optimization strategies, the New York Post reports. As a result, Gen Z is trending toward a simplified, back-to-basics approach to health and wellness. 

Information Overload
Nowadays, people have access to a growing range of new gadgets, wearables, or AI-powered tools to monitor and optimize health. 

Susie Burrell, a dietitian, tells nine.com.au that “Nowadays, there is a constant stream of content that needs to be new and exciting to get any traction,” adding that “Audiences, especially younger audiences on social media, have been trained to constantly seek out what is new and exciting.” 

However, this content and the endless list of gadgets, supplements, and health advice may actually have a counterproductive effect on living well and following fundamental healthcare principles. Psychologist Zahra Ciardi even theorizes that some may follow complex healthcare trends as a means of avoiding basic wellness steps.

“Complexity can also become a form of avoidance. It’s easier to research the perfect protocol than to sit with the basics, which are often less exciting but far more effective,” Ciardi explains.

A Back-to-Basics Approach
Now younger generations are showing a particularly strong shift toward simplified health routines, according to a Talker Research survey.

The survey polled 2,000 Americans and found that, among the 51 percent looking to shift their wellness routines, 44 percent planned to focus on baseline habits instead of advanced optimization strategies. The change was especially pronounced among younger adults. 

Although 70 percent of Gen Zers (compared with 32 percent of boomers) reported feeling pressure to keep up with wellness trends, 65 percent said they planned to change their wellness approach this year. Among those Gen Zers changing their routines, 47 percent intended to prioritize simpler health habits, in comparison to 33 percent of boomers. 

Across all respondents, one-third said the growing amount of health information, products, and tech left them feeling overwhelmed or tired, while 21 percent of those changing their routines overall were chasing more advanced optimization strategies. 

Simple Habits Promote Health
One example of a popular and basic approach is TikTok’s “fibermaxxing” trend, which focuses on boosting intake of fiber. 

Additional simple and fundamental shifts can support overall health, according to nine.com.au. These include the 4Ms approach, developed by cardiologist Eddie Barin — Movement, Meals, Measurement, and Mental Approach. The 4Ms include staying active and maintaining mobility and strength, avoiding processed foods, keeping up with health checkups, and adopting a mental approach that prioritizes fun, a positive mindset, and community, Barin tells nine.com.au.

People should also drink more water since it’s good for the kidneys, circulation, and blood pressure, he adds. Burrell agrees, explaining that ultimately, basic health advice is simple. “Eat more vegetables, move more, eat less processed food, you need more fiber, good quality protein,” she adds.

Good health doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, just going back to basics is the best kind of healthcare shift.