Is Gen Z more spiritual than Millennials?
- Shivangi Angra
- May 15
- 3 min read
Updated: May 31
Exploring the shift in the meaning of spiritual connection.
Okay, let's be real about Gen Z. They're a force. They're out there shaking things up, not afraid to question things and carve their own niche. From breaking norms to challenging traditions, they’ve never been hesitant to disrupt the status quo. But rebellion often comes at a hefty cost of mental health challenges.
Society's resistance to those treading a different path feels like a constant tug of war, forever demanding strength to the extent of draining it out. In navigating this complexity, spirituality emerges as a powerful tool, not only as an escape from the real world, but also a source of strength and resilience.
Spirituality isn’t just about quiet rituals anymore; it’s found its way into our feeds, with spiritual influencers and wellness coaches guiding the way. Suddenly, terms like “healing,” “vibes,” and “aura” are a part of everyday language. But is Gen Z genuinely embracing spirituality, or is it just another trend? And how does their spiritual path compare to their predecessors–the Millennials?
Generational update: the shift in spiritual perspective
Tania Sareen, a millennial mom and the Founder of Atmann Yoga Studio, shares her take on spirituality. Raised in a Hindu family, Tania’s childhood was shaped by traditions like morning prayers and suryanamaskars (sun salutations). For her, these early rituals laid the groundwork to find spiritual connection, but it wasn’t until her early thirties that she really began to explore it. “Yoga has been my constant companion,” she says. “It’s more than physical—it’s a sacred space for release, reflection, and grounding.”
Tania’s approach is slow and steady—something she tries to pass on to her kids, as she blends mindfulness into her parenting. She believes that while many Gen Zs may start their spiritual journey through external influences, they tend to stick with it once they experience its true benefits. For her, yoga—and spirituality as a whole—is about finding that quiet moment of self-discovery.
But for Vikas Dewasi, a 19-year-old Gen Z student, spirituality is about action. His approach is more about being grounded in his body, staying connected to the present, and finding balance amidst the chaos of daily life. Vikas practices spirituality through the simple things: sunsets, slow travel, and quiet moments in nature. “Spirituality is when your body moves in rhythm with your spirit,” he says. For him, it’s not just about moksha or enlightenment—it’s about balancing your inner rhythm with the external world , sometimes, as mundane as it can get.
The world may be more connected than ever, but it’s also more distracted. His solution? Going back to basics. Slowing down, reading books, and having face-to-face conversations. For him, mindfulness isn’t about checking off tasks on a to-do list—it’s about being intentional with your energy and where you put it.
Coping with mental health
Living in challenging times, Gen Z tackles pressures with vulnerability and self-work, a stark contrast to Millennials' approach of internalising and focusing on work. This difference propels the question: Is Gen Z seemingly more spiritual than Millennials?
Rooted in self-assurance and acceptance, Gen Z actively engages in spiritual exploration, seeking meaning and connection. Millennials, often driven by a "hustle culture," channel their pain into professional endeavours, neglecting personal needs.
While both are different coping mechanisms, Gen Z's embrace of spirituality offers a holistic approach to modern challenges, fostering well-being and setting a powerful example for prioritising inner peace.
Nidhi Sharma, a Political Science teacher, sees spirituality as rooted in empathy. “Religion may teach discipline,” she says, “but spirituality teaches you how to be a good human.”
Having worked closely with Gen Z students, Nidhi has seen their growing curiosity about spirituality, especially as it relates to self-expression and identity. But she’s also noticed a tendency toward arrogance in some, which can hinder empathy. “They’re learning not to be harsh on themselves, which is great—but awareness needs to come with introspection,” she adds.
What lies at the core
For Nidhi, spirituality also shows up in Gen Z’s love for sustainable fashion, which reflects deeper values in action. At the end of the day, Gen Z’s relationship with spirituality is a fascinating mix of finding faith, self-expression and action. Unlike Millennials, who often sought spirituality through rituals, prayer and personal practices, Gen Z is making it a part of their daily lives—actively seeking meaning, exploring suitable ways to collaborate with others, and reflecting on how their existence aligns with their beliefs.
Amidst today’s chaotic times, spirituality often gets lost. The world has gotten louder, making answers, a lot more difficult to find.
Maybe spirituality today isn’t about finding answers, but asking the right questions.