Mastication, the act of chewing, comes with benefits, according to new research by chewing gum brand Extra.
The research, commissioned by Extra to find out how daily micro-stressors are turning Gen X, Millennial and Gen Z Australians into a “nation of stress” heads, reveals that while two-thirds of respondents agree chewing gum helps them feel relaxed and agree it’s a ‘circuit breaker’, we’re not actively popping chewy in response to moments of tension
According to the research:
- Millennials are the biggest group when it comes to masticating, with 63% masticating at least a couple of times a week, compared to half of Gen Z (52%) and Gen X (50%).
- Two in three surveyed say they use gum as a ‘circuit breaker’ when stressed out and that it helps them relax.
- Across the generations, Aussies say they’ve been masticating their whole life (Gen Z 40%, Millennials 43%, Gen X 43%).
- Men masticate on more occasions than women, including on public transport (26%) when exercising (14%) and while watching sport (12%).
- One in four respondents admitted to having occasions where they’ve needed to hide masticating including “at work”, “while going for an interview”, “at school” and even “during sex”.
The research reveals that when it comes to the impact of micro-stressors, Gen Z is leading the charge, facing an average of 9.1 tiny stressors daily. Millennials are right behind them at 8.7, while Gen X is at 7.7.
“People don’t often think of chewing sugar free gum as an option but there is some research suggesting that it might be an intervention that can help reduce stress levels,” says practicing GP and author Dr Preeya Alexander.
“Personally, mastication is a strategy I use if I need to wind down a little, when things get a bit overwhelming – while I love a mindful moment, I find it a bit easier to implement it with movement and that’s where mastication for me can work a treat.”
