Gen Z in the U.K. are skipping the Christmas parties to “lock in” for 2026. The trend, fueled by TikTok of course, is a commitment to brutal self-improvement routines through December. Gen Z is already focusing on getting good sleep, exercising 4-5 times weekly, and drinking 3-4 liters of water a day. It’s the opposite of Millennials, who traditionally party through December and rely on January 1 resets. One 23-year-old put the generational divide bluntly: “Our parents could learn from us.” Therapists warn that this “self-optimization” trend isn’t always rooted in true self-care, though. For many, it can tap into a kind of self-punishment and control especially when it’s driven more by TikTok FOMO than genuine interest in wellness. (The Times)
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