Australians are feeling more burnt out than ever according to a new report by global activewear brand Lululemon.
The new report, titled ‘2024 Global Wellbeing Report’, found that while wellbeing remains a top priority, with 74 per cent of Australians setting boundaries to maintain their health, Australia’s wellbeing score has stagnated at 66. This score is similar in Germany and Canada, and below higher scores recorded in France (69), the United States (69), Singapore (70) and Mainland China (79).
Nearly two-thirds of Australian respondents are struggling with societal demands to maintain wellbeing in specific ways, leading to 55 per cent of them experiencing significant levels of stress and burnout.
“This year's report highlights that the growing pressure Australians feel to achieve a perfect state of wellbeing, is actually having the opposite effect,” Lululemon AU/NZ vice president Paul Tinkler said.
“With increasing burnout and feelings of isolation, it’s evident that traditional approaches aren’t enough. Our report highlights the urgent need for strategies that foster genuine connections and embrace balanced movement.
“With the launch of Lululemon’s ‘Together we grow’ initiative, we're excited to help our guests and communities across Australia connect and move together in the lead up to World Mental Health Day.”
The report also reveals that Gen Z is feeling the impact of these challenges more than any other demographic in Australia. This generation is grappling with higher levels of loneliness, a lack of purpose, and increased burnout compared to the national average.
The pressures of modern life and societal expectations are significantly affecting their mental wellbeing, making it crucial to address these issues with targeted strategies.
Just under two-thirds (61 per cent) of Gen Z Australians report experiencing loneliness at least sometimes, significantly higher than the general population (40 per cent). Additionally, 65 per cent of Gen Z feel a negative impact on their mental wellbeing due to loneliness.
Over half (58 per cent) are struggling to find a sense of purpose, compared to 40 per cent nationally. This lack of purpose is a major contributor to burnout, with 85 per cent of Gen Z experiencing burnout, compared to 55 per cent of Australians overall.
Meanwhile, 27 per cent of Gen Z Australians report social burnout, a 6 per cent higher percentage than the general population.
Lululemon’s report then outlined three key strategies for Australians to navigate and overcome wellbeing burnout. This includes exercising the right to disconnect, bringing others on your journey and prioritising physical exercise.
Australians who actively practise mindfulness report 13 per cent higher mental wellbeing, while Australians who view physical activity as an opportunity to socialise report 24 per cent higher overall wellbeing.
Australians who engage in consistent physical exercise report 17 per cent higher overall wellbeing.
“The constant pressure to achieve optimal wellbeing can paradoxically lead to further feelings of stress and a sense of inadequacy,” clinical psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove said. “It’s important to set realistic goals, establish healthy boundaries and to integrate community and movement more organically into our lives as sources of support and joy.”
While the data highlighted areas of improvement, an intersection of community and movement can help break the cycle and restore wellbeing, the reported concluded.
Findings show community-based movement leads to 32 per cent higher wellbeing for men in particular, with a 46 per cent higher sense of belonging for Australian men compared to 36 per cent in the United Kingdom.
“We’re seeing how group workouts are enhancing both the physical and mental health of Australian men,” Lululemon Global Wellbeing Report advisor and executive director of programs at Movember Paul Villanti said.
“These activities not only bring enjoyment but also create meaningful social connections – critical components of a holistic approach to preventing burnout and promoting overall wellbeing.”