Life is Hard Right Now: Here are 10 Ways to Deal With It.
It’s true. Life seems particularly difficult right now. So take a deep breath knowing that you are not alone in feeling like everything feels so much harder to get through than usual.
There is a wide range of factors that contribute to this feeling. Some are to do with the state of the world. The global pandemic entering its third year, rising economic uncertainty, and the looming threat of war are enough to make most of us feel stressed. Other factors are more specific to your lifestyle. Maybe you feel stuck in a job that drains you. Or maybe you aren’t prioritizing your health in the way you should.
But no matter what is going on with you, life doesn’t have to feel so hard. Read on to learn how to improve your life and mindset, one small step at a time.
Why Does Life Feel So Hard? The External Factors
The state of the world right now is…not great. You likely don’t need me to tell you that it feels like we’re navigating through one disaster after another. It can be difficult for even the most well-adjusted people not to be affected by what we see in the news or on social media.
But learning how to deal with the pressures of global politics, 24-hour news, and social media in a healthy way is crucial to making your life feel easier. Here’s how I recommend tackling some of the most pressing current issues.
Inflation & Economic Uncertainty
The price of everything is increasing. Wages are not rising at the same rate as inflation, making things more difficult. You may worry about the cost of gas or food. I’ve written an entire article about what to do if you feel stressed or anxious about finances, but here are the top takeaways:
- Talk to your employer. We are still in an unprecedented labor market, and your skills may be worth more than you realize. Now is the time to ask for a raise.
- Talk to your friends and family about your worries.
- Develop a positive relationship with money.
- Prioritize your health and wellbeing.
War
Even if the current war is nowhere near you, it can be worrying. The war impacts real people, and it’s not a far cry to imagine yourself in their shoes. It may seem like there’s nothing you can do, but you can show your support by donating money or time to help those people affected. If images and stories of violence upset you, consume only the news you need to stay informed. Then, cut yourself off from doomscrolling.
Politics
Political unrest is usually a cause for concern. The same goes for policies that directly impact you. For example, if gun violence and open carry laws make you anxious, you may need to consider moving to a state that has stricter rules.
You have to think about what makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable in your area. Then, look at all options (including radical ones like moving) to make the situation better for you in both the short and long term. You can take a look at this guide from Boston University for more helpful tips on how to manage political stress in your day-to-day life.
Climate Change
You can’t change everything that makes you anxious. And some things, you can’t ignore. Big issues like climate change are upsetting, but there is likely nothing you personally can do to really change the situation. So if that is the case, the only thing you can do is to change yourself and your reaction to this news. Try using a mantra like ‘if I don’t have a solution, it is not my problem’ to ease the worry a little.
Outrage Culture
It can be easy to find yourself getting involved in arguments online. It seems like people are just looking for things to be outraged by, and it can feel oppressive. Consider unplugging for a while to take a breather and clear your head.
Why Does Life Feel So Hard? The Internal Factors
If your life feels hard, it is probably because you are making it harder than it needs to be.
This could look like staying in a job that drains you. Or it could look like spending too much time with people who drag you down.
The good news is that even small changes can go a long way toward making your life feel easier. And I’m not just going to give you a long list of new habits you need to pick up. Because let’s be honest, piling more things on your plate is unlikely to help. You can make some changes to your existing habits that can help you make things feel less hard.
You Don’t Support Your Body with Healthy Habits
I don’t necessarily mean making healthy food choices. This would be ideal, but it’s not always realistic. Prices are increasing, so you can’t always choose fresh produce over the cheaper and more convenient alternatives.
Healthy habits you should support your body with include:
- Restful sleep: Turn off devices an hour before bedtime to let yourself fully wind down.
- Stay hydrated: Try to switch out your soda for water where possible.
- Eat regularly: Not skipping meals can help keep your energy levels stable and help improve your mood.
If you are in a place where you can take on making healthier swaps in your diet, you can check out this beginner’s guide to healthy eating for more information.
You Don’t Celebrate the Small Wins
It is easy to only celebrate yourself when you achieve big things, like getting a promotion or having a baby. But if you “fail” to do anything significant for a while, you can become demotivated.
Consider this. Instead of writing a “to do” list, write an “I did” list. Add everything from quick wins like ‘got out of bed’ and ‘brushed teeth’ to more complicated things like finally clearing out that cupboard you’ve been avoiding for weeks.
It may seem silly at first, but you’ll automatically celebrate the small wins after a while.
You Don’t Have a Healthy Work-life Balance
Having a healthy work-life balance is good for your mental health. Working too hard can cause burnout. Working a job you hate can also negatively impact your health. Juggling your work-life balance can help you keep your ‘cup’ full.
I dove deep into this topic in my article I Don’t Want to Work Anymore: How to Deal with Burnout. I’d recommend giving it a read for more tips on how to feel better about your work life.
You’re Lonely
Evidence shows that loneliness can seriously impact our health. While social isolation can cause loneliness, you can feel lonely even if you are surrounded by people all day. For example, perhaps the only time you see people is at work. These interactions may not fulfill your social needs and can cause you to feel drained by the time you clock out.
Or maybe you’ve been accidentally letting the wrong people into your life. Weeding out the people who don’t help you fill your cup can make life feel much easier.
You Spend too Much Time Mindlessly Scrolling on Social Media
You can fall into the social comparison trap by spending too much free time on social media. People always post themselves ‘living their best life’ which can convince you that your own life falls short.
If you’re not actively using social media, consider putting the apps away and rereading your favorite book if you’re still looking for a gentle activity to pass the time.
If you are looking for more tips and tricks to change your life for the better, check out my book Life Hacks: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life.
If you liked this article, please consider giving it a clap and following @wellnessmadeeasy on Medium for more simple ways to improve your life.
