Playing Life in the “Difficult” Mode!

We are now living at the era where the word “stress” is spoken in every conversation made. And as a matter of fact, almost half of the population in the United States are overwhelmed with stress! That is one out of two people you meet everyday. It does look scary at first, but as time passes by, I start to realise we’re unintentionally underrating and constantly overlooking those who’re really in need of help. Even, I also reckon that, most of the time, I do not really take people seriously just because distinguishing those with real stress and problems is extremely tough and demanding. But, allow me to ask this question, isn’t it our own responsibility to crush down every wall that stands before us?
On this article, I will share my experience on fighting those moments where you feel that everything is crumbling down and life’s being a douche! These tips might or might not work for you, so before I start, I consider it is wise to tell a bit of personality. Based on the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, I am categorised under the INTJ type, meaning that I use my rationalisation a lot more than my feeling. By the time I write this article down, I am still a 4th year medical student exerting my best to finish my thesis and graduate on time! And I am constantly finding myself in a lot of stress time and time again. Surprisingly, these steps that I deliberately did are quite successful in enabling myself to pull through!
Now, let us start looking at our reality and get to the root of our daily issues. The present world we’re living in is connected to one another, thanks to the internet! We are hustling in the world where everyone’s online on their social media sharing all the goodness they stumble upon in life, all those happy and smiling faces. Not to say that they’re boasting since it is, indeed, their right to publicise whatever they feel like posting. But, subconsciously we are always comparing our not-so-good or not-so-lucky moments with what we have seen on those social media platforms! And you suddenly found yourself in the deepest pit of life, where you feel the despair and unfairness. “Why do I get to live this kind of life?” “Why can’t I feel the joy and excitement everyone else has?” “Why this and that?” Well, hold it right there, before you continue letting yourself drown deeper and deeper, here’s some advices for you.
Stop Comparing and Start Living!
If you analyse your problem carefully, most of them are probably having the same root, that is the ego. Ego is the most lethal poison you can have in your mind! It is ego when you think that everyone else is living a better and more beautiful life than the one you’re living in. It is also ego when you make fun of other people’s life. Comparing yourself to other people is already a form of ego! You’re focusing on comparing your life instead of actually improving it. Why? Because it is easier to just stand there and not even try. Humans are naturally afraid of failing, so “instead of failing, I’ll just conclude myself not to even try!”
Guess what, it is also ego when you say you cannot do something because you don’t have the ability or skill to get it done. Sometimes, we just have to embrace our lack of competence. Only then we can learn and perfect our life.
The Earth without Art is just “Eh?”
Might sound a bit mundane, but art has profoundly aid me in life. Art has myriad variations and forms. Music is an art, drawing is an art, painting is an art, writing is an art, studying is also an art, last but not least the life itself is also an art. Overcoming diverse obstacles in life has created an art out of it. Take a deep breath and for a moment let yourself be proud of what you have become right now. The incorporation of art, especially music, in my life has proved to be very pleasing. Music can set the tone to your daily activities, imagine waking up to the sound of George Ezra’s “Pretty Shining People” music. Wham! Your day is starting to look a bit brighter. And then you get up and using the art of tidying up, you majestically fold your blanket. Wham! Another moment to be grateful. Then you walk over to your kitchen, once again, using the art of mixology, you pour some milk into your precious mug of hot earl grey tea. Thirty minutes into your day with these little easy and straight-forward acts, you are on your way to enjoy the rest of your day with excitement! Quick tip: right before you step out of your room, take a look of yourself in the mirror and smile, then head on your way!
Physical Activity is a Key!
On to the next cliche, don’t forget to prioritise your health, some physical activity will get you through the day even better! I agree that it is way easier said than done but remember, it’s all about the baby steps! I am telling you to befriend with this thing called exercise. Not only that it has been scientifically proved as a way to increase your endorphine level, the chemicals that invoke the happiness inside us, it is also a way to feel good about yourself. Exercise is the place where hard work never betrays you. The more exercise you do, the more improvement you can see. And those improvement is gonna be the direct trigger of your happiness. Not one single person I know prefers to stay stagnant and stationary in their journey. Exercise will be the proper journey, if done consistently and compassionately, for you to realise all the hidden potentials and capabilities of yourself!
So, my approaches here mainly focus on unlocking those hidden powers inside us and all those “Easter eggs” life conceal within. We are the ones responsible to motivate and drag ourselves out of the hole that probably we dug ourselves! Hope this article helps you in finding your inner strengths. I’ll write down some impactful references that might also assist you in doing so.
REFERENCES
Ryan Holiday’s “Ego is the Enemy”
Robin Sharma’s “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”
Mark Mansons’ “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck”
YouTube Channel: What I’ve Learnt “Why Exercise is so Underrated”
My personal experience.
