GEN Z AND HOLISTIC APPROACHES TO HEALTH AND WELLNESS: AWARENESS, PRACTICES, AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1997 and 2012, represents the first generation fully immersed in digital connectivity and social media, shaping distinctive approaches to holistic health and wellness. This qualitative exploratory study investigates Gen Z’s awareness, perceptions, and adoption of holistic wellness across physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and digital domains, alongside challenges such as digital overload, misinformation, and socio-environmental stressors. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 70 in-depth interviews and three focus groups (4-5 participants each) were conducted, complemented by digital ethnography of wellness-related content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Reddit. Data was transcribed verbatim and word dictate, thematically analyzed using Braun & Clarke’s framework, supported by Excel for organization and visualization. Findings reveal that Gen Z defines holistic wellness as a balance of body, mind, spirit, relationships, and digital life, shaped by mobile engagement, peer influence, and online communities. They adopt diverse practices - yoga, meditation, mindfulness, fitness, nutrition, and sleep hygiene - though consistency varies due to time constraints, digital distractions, and social pressures. Coping strategies include mindful engagement, time management, and reduced social media use. The study recommends integrating wellness education in academic and community settings, leveraging mindful digital engagement, fostering inclusivity, and promoting sustainability. Respondents particularly emphasized the need for online and offline workshops to support balanced coping with screen time, work, learning, stress, mood changes, frustration, and sleep challenges. These insights aim to guide culturally relevant, accessible interventions for policymakers, educators, and wellness practitioners, advancing understanding of Gen Z’s digitally mediated, socially conscious approach to holistic wellness.