A recent Snap Inc. survey has found that in Malaysia, our Gen Z and Millennials are navigating an increasingly stressful environment due to the pressure to excel, combined with a heaviness of the world in which they have come of age.
Photo via PR Daily
The data showed that 44% of Malaysians feel stressed out weekly, while 70% feel stressed monthly.
However, it's the small daily habits and little things in life that can help you cope with stress better!
Snapchat has realised that it only takes 10 seconds to practice some simple acts of kindness, be it for someone else or as a form of personal self care. It doesn’t seem like much but it still makes a difference. Here are a list of different opportunities to seize that only take 10 seconds:
#1 Pay it forward
The idea is to be a part of a continued flow of kindness by carrying out an act of kindness for someone and that person doing the same for another.
It can be as simple as paying for a person’s coffee that's in line behind you. This will not only make you feel better but you may really be helping out someone else too.
#2 Meditate
With all the uncertainty looming around us, it is important to take a moment to recenter our thoughts.
Taking a moment to pause and do some deep breathing can help ease overwhelming feelings. Practicing it whenever you need it throughout the day can be very beneficial. A great free feature on Snapchat is its partnership with Headspace that allows you to carry out multiple guided meditations.
Snapchatters can do this with friends or alone all for free.
To launch Headspace Minis:
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Open Snapchat and swipe right to your messages
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Choose a friend to join you or opt to do it on your own
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Tap on the rocket icon on the lower right-hand corner of your screen
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Look for Headspace and start your in-app meditation experience
#3 Drink a glass of water
Staying hydrated is important but especially when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Did you know, drinking enough water helps regulate emotions to get through any uncomfortable emotions that may surface? You know the saying, “Drink your water, get some sunlight. Cause you’re basically a house plant with more complicated emotions”.
So, go have a glass!
#4 Words of affirmation
Shaking off uncomfortable feelings and staying positive can often be hard.
Feeling demotivated may also seem like part of the new normal. During these times, it's equally important to be kind to yourself. Taking a moment to speak to yourself with words of affirmation is a good habit to form.
Imagine waking up in the morning, looking into the mirror and saying “I am doing great! I am going to have a fantastic day! I am amazing!”. It does not seem like much but it will help.
#5 Check in on your loved ones
Fun fact: It only takes 10 seconds or less to send a single Snap on Snapchat.
During these times, a gesture as small as dropping in a Snap to check in on your loved ones could go a long way. Snapchat’s features such as Lenses and Cameo Stickers allow its community to express themselves on a more personal and emotional level that most messaging platforms do not allow. Spread some love with just a Snap.
Stay safe, and remember to take care of yourself - physically and mentally!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
