A recent survey uncovered a growing habit among Gen Z and millennials: they set specific times to worry each day. Conducted by Talker Research for Avocado Green Mattress, the study surveyed 2,000 Americans. It found that 10% of younger respondents designate dedicated worry periods, while only 3% of Gen X and baby boomers do the same.
Experts say this deliberate timing can help limit anxiety by providing a controlled space to process stress, potentially reducing overall rumination. The research shows 62% of Gen Z and millennials feel trapped in constant worry, compared with 38% of older generations. On average, respondents spend about two hours and 18 minutes worrying daily, with peaks when alone, late at night, or early in the morning.
Brooke Witt, VP of Marketing at Avocado Green Mattress, notes that persistent worry can disrupt sleep. “Finances, family demands, and daily tasks can keep people awake,” she explains, stressing that restful sleep is essential for overall well-being. The main concerns cited include finances (53%), family (42%), daily responsibilities (42%), followed by health, sleep quality, and political issues.
Parents, who comprise more than half of the participants, express deep worry about their children’s future. About 77% fear the world their kids are growing into, and 34% are anxious that climate change could limit their children’s prospects. Many worry about an unstable future and question whether their children will experience the same world they grew up in.
Amy Sieman, Affiliate Manager at Avocado Green Mattress, says the findings illustrate how everyday worries travel into the night and affect both sleep and daytime functioning. She emphasizes that improving sleep quality can bolster resilience against daily stressors.
For Thai readers, the study resonates with local emphasis on mindfulness and mental wellness. While generational concerns differ by culture, the core idea — managing anxiety to improve daily life — aligns with Thai efforts to promote mental health. As Thai society faces rapid changes, proactive stress-management strategies become increasingly relevant for youth.
Within Thailand, conversations on mental health are expanding as wellness practices evolve. The concept of scheduled worry could be explored through culturally familiar approaches such as mindfulness and meditation, rooted in Buddhist traditions. If structured worry management proves beneficial, integrating it with local practices may offer a practical path toward better emotional health for Thai youth, alongside existing stress-relief tools.
These insights invite a broader discussion on blending scientific findings with traditional wisdom to build resilience across generations.