JAKARTA – A recent survey revealed that Generation Z (1828 years old) tends to prioritize personal-care or self-care when they feel unwell.
This is very different from the Baby Boomer Generation (aged 61’79) who prefers to continue their activities as usual even though they are sick.
The survey, which involved 2,000 adults in the UK, shows a striking difference between generations in the face of disease, especially in winter when flu and colds attack a lot.
A total of 55% of Gen Z’s respondents admitted that they did not hesitate to take a break from work to recover. On the other hand, only 30% of Baby Boomers are willing to do the same. Many of them still adhere to the old principle of ‘seep calm and carry on’, which is to keep working even though the body is not fit.
In addition, young people from Gen Z are also more willing to postpone social activities, sports, and homework when they are sick. A total of 83% of them believe slowing the rhythm of life actually accelerates the recovery process.
Meanwhile,Baby Boomer relies more on old ways such as taking drugs in stalls, consuming nutritious food, and increasing rest in beds.
For Gen Z, self-care means doing small things that make the pain feel more comfortable such as bathing in warm water, watching favorite series or films, and really taking the time to rest.
But interestingly, four out of ten Baby Boomers admit that they prefer to stay working rather than take time off for recovery.
Almost half of them feel guilty if they have to get permission because they are sick, and around a few times they are worried that they will be judged negative by their superiors to do so.
Even so, this study also found 30% of adult workers as a whole admitted that it was not enough to prioritize self-care when sick.
According to Dr. Roger Henderson, NHS general practitioner and spokesman for the drug brand Olbas who assigned this survey, is now increasingly taking a gentler approach to sick days.
Many people and families are now more focused on rest and simple comfort than just forcing themselves to stay productive, explained Dr. Henderson.
The recovery process is now considered an opportunity to protect the body and mind. Adequate sleep, hydration, and calming activities are helping to speed up healing,” he added.
He also added that small rituals can have a big impact, such as inhaling warm water vapor, using natural decongestants, bathing in hot water, or piling up pillows at night to help breathing.
“Small moments like this not only make us feel better, but also give peace to caregivers in the flu and cold seasons,” he added.
Attitude towards self-care is predicted to continue to change. Around a third of respondents estimate that in the future, more and more people will pay greater attention to self-care. 40% believe workplaces will be more flexible, with remote work policies or adjusted working hours for moderately unhealthy employees.
Rachel Ramsden, a spokesman for Olbas, said the concept of self-care is no longer considered a form of luxury, but a necessity.
“In the past, self-care may have been considered an exaggeration, but now it has become an important need for many people,” said Ramsden.
“Giveing self time to rest and recover, as well as having a support system that allows it, is very important,” he added.
He added that many things have changed in recent years, especially the way people view recovery from illness such as flu and colds.
“Towards winter, it is important for everyone to recognize early signs of the disease and know how to help themselves recover faster, either through self-care, natural treatment, or by consulting with a nearby pharmacy.” he concluded.
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