Millennials, people born between 1981 and 1996, were lucky to grow up in a time before the internet. They then saw how the internet emerged, how e-commerce grew, and how social media became a daily habit for many people.
Today, millennials turn to online offerings to find relaxation and unwind after a stressful day. Even though this generation remembers the time before websites and Facebook, they revel in the convenience and connectivity that online platforms offer.
Social Media
Millennials consistently use social media as a means to relax by connecting with friends and like-minded people, consuming short-form content, and sharing what they’re up to. The draw of social media is that it is highly engaging without being too demanding, making it the perfect mindless relaxation activity.
This generation reportedly spends around 2.25 hours each day on various social media platforms. And it’s not just about unwinding, either. Social media is a means to stay connected to friends or family who live far away, which can boost mental health and social skills.
Gaming
Thousands of millennials turn to video games to unwind. Gaming has become more than just a casual pastime as eSports tournaments have reached global status and pay out millions of dollars to winners.
However, for many, it is all about relaxing and escaping to a different world. Role-playing games (RPGs) transport players to fantasy worlds, while puzzle games are the perfect distraction after a long day at the office. There are so many different game genres and styles that boredom is never an option. From replaying favourites like The Elder Scrolls or working with a team in DOTA 2, millennials excel at video games. This is likely due to the generation growing up with games, from the earliest SEGA consoles and arcade games to the VR headsets of today.
Online Gambling
Online gambling is the perfect combination of gaming and potentially earning bonus income. There are several reputable online casinos around the world, with sites dedicated to ranking the best platforms per jurisdiction to help players access reliable sites. For example, besteonlinecasinonederland.com helps Dutch gamblers find the top 10 best online casinos available to them, based on game variety, security, and rewards.
Even avid gamblers can’t go to the casino each night to unwind, which is why these online platforms are so convenient. They provide the casino experience at home and can be accessed via desktop or mobile. Players can immerse themselves in slots or live poker games, forgetting about the worries of the day.
Streaming Series, Movies, Music, and Audiobooks
Millennials enjoy binge-watching their favourite series on repeat. They grew up with classics like Friends, Gilmore Girls, SpongeBob SquarePants, and How I Met Your Mother, and rewatching these comfort shows has become a simple way to unwind. Thanks to online streaming services, almost any show or series can be found online. The same goes for movies. Watching a recently released film on Netflix or Amazon Prime is the perfect way to relax on a weekend, as is rewatching 10 Things I Hate About You or Superbad for the 100th time.
Another great way to relax is to listen to music or podcasts while sipping on a glass of wine or folding the laundry. Spotify and Apple Music have made it easy to access almost any artist, playlist, or podcast that has ever been produced.
Audiobooks are also great for weary Millennials who want to enjoy a good story without straining their eyes. From Stephen Fry’s reading of the Harry Potter books to bibliographies read by the authors, platforms like Audible and Google Audiobooks are key sources of relaxation.
Relaxation Applications
Smartphone applications have come a long way from Flappy Bird and Snake. Today, there are apps for almost everything, including relaxation, meditation, yoga, and mental health support. These are all tools that millennials tend to use to unwind.
Some examples include:
- Calm
- Headspace
- BetterSleep
- Down Dog Yoga
- The Breathing App
These apps all exist to help users unwind, relax, and focus on their breathing and mental space.
Online Shopping
Retail therapy is real, and many millennials know the joy of destressing by scrolling through endless products on Facebook Marketplace or Marktplaats. Even if not planning on buying anything, there is something really calming about adding items to your cart and imagining the excitement when the package is delivered.
Shopping platforms and apps have made it more convenient than ever to shop. There’s no longer a need to leave the house. InstaCart allows grocery shopping, you can shop for secondhand goods on eBay, and Etsy is perfect for hand-crafted surprises.
Wrapping Up
Although many millennials still turn to other activities to relax, like outdoor exercise or meeting up with friends, the impact of the internet can’t be denied. As a generation that grew up along with the growth of the online realm, it’s no surprise that millennials are constantly finding new ways to unwind online.
