Fighting the Comparison Game
In today's world, there's immense pressure to have everything figured out, especially with wealth being flaunted online and everyone our age appearing to have it all together.
Personally, I often struggle with comparison, insecurity, stress, and waves of sadness. This can be overwhelming because it's the reality we experience daily. However, an important aspect of regulating emotions is recognizing that we are never truly alone.
Despite this being a common message, the isolation can feel persistent, especially when therapy isn't accessible, and not everyone has supportive friends or family. It's crucial to find ways to manage emotions and combat emotional loneliness.
Remembering to Practice Self Care
One effective strategy is refreshing our perspective through positive actions and self-care. Activities like journaling, walking, joining a gym, and volunteering are accessible hobbies that can help us reframe our perspective, set goals, and meet new people.
My therapist once told me that our issues can feel all-consuming because we live in our minds 24/7. When we step away from that framework and engage in positive distractions, our problems often feel less suffocating upon return.
Situational anxiety, which can arise from financial, work, academic, or relationship stressors, can feel raw and overwhelming. Yet, I believe in the power of planning and proactive change. Having an action plan can drastically help acknowledge that, although a situation is stressful and not ideal, it is not permanent.
Finding the Strength to Power Through
During university, I worked 30 hours a week, which was incredibly stressful. However, getting through each semester and planning breaks to breathe gave me the strength to power through.
I hated my job for years but couldn't afford to quit, so I spent a lot of time searching for new work. It took over a year of serious searching to find a proper replacement, but knowing I was looking and planning to leave helped me endure.
The Financial Burden of Today
Financial stress is another significant issue many young people face today. It's a difficult burden because it impacts almost every aspect of daily life.
However, reaching out and recognizing that we are not alone can be helpful. Many community resources offer financial advice, food assistance, and community-based loans. Recognizing that solutions exist, especially after talking to others, can help manage stress and end the suffering in silence. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is ask for help.
Being Kinder to Ourselves
In addition to these practical steps, it's essential to cultivate a mindset that embraces self-compassion and patience.
We are often our harshest critics, and this can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and stress. By practicing self-compassion, we allow ourselves the grace to be imperfect and to understand that it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. Patience is also key. Personal growth and achieving goals take time, and it's important to acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way.
How to Equip Ourselves to Face Life’s Challenges:
Building a supportive community, whether through friends, family, or online groups, can also provide much-needed encouragement and perspective.
Sharing our struggles and hearing others' experiences can normalize our feelings and reduce the sense of isolation.
Engaging in conversations about mental health openly can break down the stigma and foster a more supportive environment for everyone.
Taking care of our physical health can have a profound impact on our mental well-being.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are fundamental to maintaining a healthy mind.
While the pressures of modern life can be overwhelming, it's important to remember that we are not alone. By engaging in positive actions, seeking support, practicing self-compassion, and taking care of our physical health, we can navigate our struggles more effectively. Life's challenges are not permanent, and with the right strategies, we can find our way through them.
Get Quabble
For Your Mental Wellness
Do you have a story to share or insights to offer that could inspire others?
If so, we'd love to hear from you!
