Don't get me wrong; I am a millennial. When I criticize this generation, I am criticizing myself. I am guilty of all of the things our generation gets ridiculed for, however, I am aware of this guilt, and being aware makes all the difference.
I've grown up with this generation; I am constantly noticing and doing what this generation does, thinking what they think, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see. And I see too many people with depression and anxiety and disorders and so many problems that are semi self-inflicted. Here are some things our generation needs to do more often to lead happier, healthier lives:
Be present in the current moment.
We spend all of our free time looking at our phones, texting, tweeting, posting pictures, and Snapchatting. We're so focused on the device in our hand that we are missing the beauty and the value of the present day moment. Instead of Snapchatting the entire concert, watch it. Instead of texting your friend, talk to the person next to you. Look up at the sky, look at your surroundings, look anywhere other than that God-forsaken screen (realizing now that I sound like a grandparent). Regardless, I guarantee you will feel happier about your relationships and the world around you.
Do Things Alone.
It baffles me as to why our generation is scared to do things alone. I'm the least asocial person I know and even I like to do things alone sometimes. There has been so many occurrences where people on this campus won't go get food because they can't get anyone to go with them. Sitting alone doesn't make you a loser, it actually makes you the opposite--it makes you a cool, independent person. If you want Chipotle, go sit your butt in Chipotle alone and take a burrito to the face, shame-free.
Stop thinking social media is everything.
I remember getting a MySpace when I was just twelve years old and feeling devastated when my best friend didn't have me listed as her top friend. Looking back, I feel embarrassed that such a meaningless website, at the time, could actually influence my happiness. If a guy you like didn't watch your SnapStory, who cares? If your friend didn't like your Instagram, why does it matter? Social media does NOT define your relationships. We are too invested in just the tap of a screen; we try as hard as possible to make it look like our lives are amazing on social media. Instead of trying to make it look like you're having the time of your life on social media, go ACTUALLY have the time of your life. After all, how much fun can you possibly be having if you're posting an Instagram or checking to see who watched your SnapStory?
Put your phone away at meals.
I CANNOT SAY THIS ENOUGH. It drives me absolutely insane when I walk through the dining hall and see people are staring at their phones in silence while having a meal instead of conversing with the person in front of them. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was raised in a household where our dinner conversation was everything. We laughed, we shared, we vented, we got to know one another. There really is no better way to bond with people you love than over a delicious meal.
Remove any toxic relationships from your life.
I am constantly hearing people complain that someone they are "talking to" won't treat them the way they want to be treated. If someone is hurting your self-esteem, don't hook up with them. If you're sad that someone isn't texting you enough, don't text them. It's as simple as that. If someone in your life is making you feel anything short of amazing, remove them from your life. There are far better people out there than those who don't recognize your worth. Our generation fails to realize that the solution to feeling better is simple; just completely remove the source of any sadness in your life.
