Here's How I Became The Hero Of My Own Life During The Toughest Times
IMHO, remember, prioritising self-care is not a luxury, it's essential.
Personally, I don't think most people take stress and burnout seriously enough.
It seems like many are unaware of just how damaging it can be for some and tend to downplay the issue.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress can be defined as "a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation".
They mention that it's a "natural human response" and that "everyone experiences stress to some degree".
Whether it's a small problem or a major challenge, when someone feels stressed, the emotion is real, and it deserves to be acknowledged and validated.
The main thing that differentiates each person, is how they choose to deal with it, and I want to highlight here that it’s IMPORTANT to deal with it.
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I'm always anxious about falling behind — whether it's in my academics or becoming the best version of myself.
I don't need to be first at everything, but the thought of being last terrifies me.
I tend to push myself hard and feel guilty for even giving myself a short break sometimes — thinking that "I shouldn't be wasting my time and should try harder".
What I didn't realise was how much it was taking a toll on me.
My body began to break down — I became anxious very often, easily irritated, and started lashing out at the people I love.
My best friend noticed this and told me I should consider seeking professional help, and honestly at first, I was against the idea, convinced that I was doing fine.
That didn't last for long though, I soon realised that my mood swings were affecting those close to me.
I eventually gave in, and went to my university's counselling centre
They had me take the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) test.
The results help professionals assess your condition, so if you're considering it, keep in mind that it's meant to be interpreted by experts!
I started attending weekly counselling appointments, hoping each session would guide me back on track.
I also took the initiative and signed up for classes that dealt with stress management, and I soon became more relaxed.
Slowly, with the support of those around me and my own commitment to self-care, I became less anxious, and the overwhelming weight of stress began to lift, which allowed me to approach my challenges with a newfound calmness.
I slowly started to realise that life is actually good, and it was finally okay for me to take a break
One of the most helpful tips I learnt during my journey was to always live in the present, not in the future, and definitely not in the past.
For instance, instead of stressing over a big presentation that's happening next week, focus and prepare what you can for today.
This will help to reduce anxiety and allow us to appreciate the current moment.
Apart from that, practising mindfulness is also very crucial!
It helps us to be more aware of our own thoughts and feelings.
As an example, while making a cup of your favourite coffee, take a moment to enjoy its aroma. Breathe it in deeply, feel its warmth, and let that simple pleasure centre your mind!
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Although this is a reminder that there are plenty of ways you can deal with your stress, it's up to you on what works and what doesn't
Ultimately, if you're struggling with stress, don't be afraid to seek help from anyone, and it's not embarrassing to seek professionals for help.
This is a sign for you to be kinder to yourself, because unmanaged stress can be very overwhelming to deal with by yourself.
Remember, prioritising self-care is not a luxury, it's essential.
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Here are other things you can try:
2. Watch your favourite films and series — It'll definitely help you wind down and forget about work for a while.
3. Try out any relaxation techniques — A warm bath can help alleviate tension!
Trust me! It's worth taking these steps to feel better. Once you do, you'll see how it'll transform your life as a whole.
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This story is part of the YouthSAYS initiative and is the personal opinion of the writer.
About the contributor:
Aleya is a student at the University of Malaya, majoring in English Literature.
She has a strong interest in writing poetry and uses it as a way to express herself.
Beyond her studies, Aleya is passionate about sharing her personal experiences. She believes that by being open about her challenges and insights, she can help others going through similar situations.
Her goal is to empower people to take control of their own lives and feel less alone in their struggles.
Through her writing, she aims to create a supportive community where individuals can connect and find encouragement.
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