Let’s be real—rest doesn’t look the same across generations.

Where boomers were taught that hustle is noble and burnout is a badge of honor, many millennials and Gen Zers are rewriting that narrative. But the catch? Some of these changes, especially the quieter ones, still get labeled as “lazy.”

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard someone say, “No one wants to work anymore,” right after a younger coworker dares to take a mental health day or sets a boundary around their time. But in my experience—both professionally and personally—what looks like slacking off is often self-preservation in action.

Here are eight things younger generations are doing to protect their mental health that might raise eyebrows with their boomer parents, bosses, or neighbors… but are, in truth, signs of emotional intelligence.

1. Saying “no” without a guilt essay

Have you noticed that millennials and Gen Zers are getting really good at saying “no” to things that drain them?

They’re skipping social events that feel like obligations, opting out of family drama, and pushing back when they’re asked to take on more at work than they can handle. And here’s the kicker—they’re doing it without writing a five-paragraph apology or making up a fake excuse.

To someone raised on politeness and people-pleasing, this can feel jarring. But really, it’s emotional maturity. It’s knowing your limits, respecting your time, and trusting that real relationships can handle a firm boundary.

As trauma therapist Whitney Goodman noted, “You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick.” Sometimes, healing starts with a well-placed “no.”

2. Taking rest before they’re burned out

Many boomers didn’t rest until their bodies forced them to.

A lot of us grew up watching parents who worked through migraines, skipped vacations for years, or stayed at jobs that made them miserable “because that’s what you do.” Rest was something you earned—after you’d hit your breaking point.

Gen Z and millennials? They’re doing it differently.

They’re building in regular rest before they collapse. They’re calling in for mental health days. They’re going for mid-afternoon walks when the stress builds. They’re even—gasp—taking naps.

And yes, some people call it lazy. But in reality, it’s sustainable. It’s what productivity expert Devon Price calls “procrastination of burnout,” in the best way. The pause is the prevention.

3. Setting “do not disturb” like it’s sacred

Raise your hand if you feel personally victimized by the red “Do Not Disturb” bubble on someone’s phone.

I’ve seen it trigger boomer parents more than once—“Why don’t you pick up your phone?!” But for a lot of millennials and Gen Zers, having that little boundary is a game-changer for their mental well-being.

It’s not about being unavailable forever. It’s about carving out slivers of uninterrupted time where you can think without being pulled in a dozen directions.

And let’s be honest: Constant accessibility is a recipe for anxiety. Turning off notifications isn’t rude—it’s responsible.

4. Quitting toxic jobs without a two-year exit plan

Here’s a generational flashpoint if I’ve ever seen one.

Boomers were taught to stay loyal—to the job, to the boss, to the company pension—even when the workplace was soul-sucking. Meanwhile, younger generations are increasingly willing to walk away from toxic environments. And they’re doing it even if they don’t have the next gig lined up.

To some, that looks impulsive. But often, it’s survival.

The World Health Organization recognized burnout as a legitimate occupational syndrome for a reason. Chronic stress is not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Millennials and Gen Zers know this, and they’re not waiting until their health tanks to make a change.

As noted by organizational psychologist Dr. Tasha Eurich, “Self-awareness is the foundation of good career decisions.” Sometimes that self-awareness says: get out now.

5. Going to therapy instead of “toughing it out”

Boomers didn’t grow up talking about their feelings in therapy sessions. Many didn’t even have the language for things like anxiety or trauma.

But Gen Z and millennials? Therapy is brunch talk. It’s TikTok content. It’s normalized.

They’re not bottling things up until they explode at Thanksgiving dinner. They’re learning communication skills, processing childhood wounds, and regulating their emotions with professional help.

To someone who’s never stepped into a therapist’s office, that might seem indulgent—or even unnecessary. But as someone who once tried to “grind her way” through stress only to end up with shingles in her 30s, I can tell you: therapy is far from lazy. It’s active, brave work.

6. Prioritizing soft mornings

This one I learned from a 26-year-old friend who taught me about the “soft morning” routine.

Instead of waking up to an alarm, checking Slack, chugging coffee, and rushing into a cortisol tsunami—they light a candle. They drink water. They journal or stretch. Sometimes, they just sit in silence.

I’ll admit, my first reaction was, “Must be nice.” But then I tried it. And wow—the way it recalibrated my nervous system was undeniable.

Boomers might see it as indulgent or unproductive. But slowing down at the start of the day can actually help you show up better everywhere else. It’s not about laziness—it’s about being intentional.

7. Choosing lower-paying jobs for better mental health

There’s still a strong cultural narrative that success = salary.

But younger folks are pushing back on that. They’re willing to take lower-paying roles if it means having work-life balance, supportive leadership, and the freedom to log off at 5 p.m.

I’ve seen friends in their 20s and 30s turn down six-figure jobs because the burnout price tag was too steep. And guess what? They’re healthier for it.

To the boomer mindset, it might seem foolish. But in an era where chronic stress is linked to everything from depression to autoimmune disease, the tradeoff makes a lot of sense.

8. Opting out of hustle culture—loudly

We used to brag about being busy. Now, people are starting to brag about being well-rested.

Millennials and Gen Zers are reclaiming their time. They’re talking openly about saying no to side hustles that drain them. They’re working smarter, not longer. They’re turning away from the glorification of grind culture.

This isn’t laziness—it’s evolution.

One Gen Z creator I follow said it best: “I didn’t come this far to let capitalism eat my nervous system.” As blunt as that sounds, it’s the type of clarity that boomers were rarely allowed to express.

Final thoughts

Here’s what it all boils down to: What looks like laziness to one generation might actually be wisdom from another.

Gen Z and millennials aren’t afraid to pause, reflect, and ask themselves, “Is this good for my nervous system?” And honestly, that’s a skill worth celebrating—not criticizing.

If you find yourself judging these behaviors—or if part of you still worries you’re lazy for needing rest—I invite you to ask where that belief comes from. Who taught you that rest = weakness?

Because the truth is: rest is resilience. Boundaries are brave. And the more we normalize these healthy habits, the better off we all are—no matter what generation we belong to.

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