What to do when Life Seems to Suck

Today wasn't exactly the most carefree day I've had in my life. I struggled on a math quiz, came home with a bunch of homework, and overall felt a bit tense and annoyed. Sound familiar? Well, maybe you haven't had exactly the same issues I had, but I can safely assume that we've all had our fair share of "bad days." And after I finally took the time to calm down and relax, I began to ponder what I should do to treat the symptoms of my hyperstress, and how I can prevent it in the future. Here's what I found:

1. Put things into perspective

This is perhaps the most important and most effective way of treating "hyperstress." Putting things into perspective allows one to see things in a more open, common, not-so-self-centered light. But this habit is perhaps the hardest one to adopt as well. It requires patience, inner strength, and a willingness to look beyond "me, me, me." Indeed, many times I am still plagued with worries like "When will I get my quiz results back?" over and over again. But that's when I try to think more reasonably. "I still have an A in the class, something which many people dream of having, so why am I worried about one quiz? In many other countries, the "difficult" homework I received today is child's work for them, so why should I complain?" Thinking this way not only makes me feel better, but it also makes me a better, wholesome person.

2. Keep yourself busy

It's certainly not new advice that when a person is so centered on one thing, refocusing their energy on something else will divert their attention from the original thing. In the case of my homework, I promptly took the opportunity this afternoon to take a stroll outside near my house and listen to my iPod after I finished, so as to calm my nerves and keep me sane after a hard day's work. I can tell you with confidence that this method is highly effective and does wonders for your overall demeanor.

3. Find company to spend time with

These days, the time when I finish my homework is also the time when I eat dinner with my family. And as I munched on my turkey and slurped down my soup, I began to feel a sense of joy and contentment, not just because of the food, but also because of the companionship my family provided. It simply felt good to be surrounded by others. It also helped to divert my attention away from my thoughts as well, serving as a double dose of anti-hyperstress medicine. And for those who just can't seem to find the time or opportunity to have a family meal, find a substitute. Maybe connect with the family in another setting, or find friends or neighbors to keep company with. Any situation that is warm and welcoming of your presence is fair game.

4. Let life take its course

This may seem like some sort of "ultra-deterministic" solution to a problem which we have "control" over, but I use the phrase lightly to denote a sense of acceptance. Once a person has done the best that they can (and I mean "the best"), once they've tried their hardest, once they've done as much studying or answered as many math questions as they can, it's time for them to let go. Just let go. Whatever happens happens, and unless someone comes up with a working time machine that lets me retake my math quiz (or better yet, "freezes" time to give me "all the time in the world"), there's nothing we can do to change the past. This can be hard and cruel sometimes, and I am certainly no stranger when it comes to having a hard time moving on. I too am the sort of person who always dwells on nitpicky mistakes or details, ("Did I do this right, what could I have done here?") But no matter how much I whine or contemplate, what's done is done, end of story.

I hope that my report has been of use to you, and I hope that you may find real application for these four strategies taken from an average day of school. Just remember to keep it real, keep it simple, and keep it true.

Best wishes in the fight against hyperstress.

the King