Empowerment Issue January 2018 | Page 12

MADETOLEAD 2018 state of the MADE Millennial MADE BY ASHLEI L ove us or hate us. WILLIAMS Millennials are a trending topic. And the scrutiny is con- tinuing to grow as we’ve aged and moved from the “kids table” into being real adults. quotes that we post may seem like Some facts about us will vanity. But, they point to a genera- always remain. We are the tional commitment to improving men- most diverse and educated tal, physical and emotional health. generation to date. Yay! We are also strapped with the highest We are the first digital natives. And amount of student loan debt in with that has come a monumental recent history and trying to re- increase in access to information; and bound from un- and under-em- accountability for the knowledge we ployment. Boo! hold. We’ve seen what cigarettes can This article will not focus on do. We’ve seen what pollution can do. what’s been said about us time We’ve seen how diet affects diabetes, and time again. Instead, it will heart health, and obesity. We’ve seen highlight some of our lifestyle how stigma has stifled mental health. tendencies that could greatly We’ve seen how stress manifests in shake things up. the body. Health & Wellness #MondayMotivation. #TransformationTuesday. #FitnessFriday. Vegan. Whole 30. Paleo. #GoodVibes #Positve Afffirmations #Mindfulness These may seem like trending topics, but they are actually lifestyle references for many millennials. From an outsider, the food pics, workout videos, spa days, sweaty selfies and “For Millennials, wellness is a daily, active pursuit. They’re exercising more, eating smarter and smoking less than previous generations. They’re using apps to track training data, and online information to find the healthiest foods. And this is one space where they’re willing to spend money on compelling brands,” according to the Goldman Sachs’ “Our Thinking: Millennials Coming of Age” report. Consider how having an on-campus gym at the office could sway a millenni- al interviewee. Look at how a campaign centered on a brand’s commitment to made-magazine.com | 12