You change first to change the world | Page 3 | Sunday Observer

You change first to change the world

14 August, 2022

We Sri Lankans are famous for blaming others for failure. Blaming is engraved in our culture – without taking accountability for our actions, we attribute our failures to everyone else’s action and not our own.

The time is ripe for all of us to take ownership of our lives and be determined to do what is right to be a more worthwhile individual who can stand on their own two feet. The solution to the prevailing issues lies in that attitude.

‘I’m right and everyone else is wrong’ is what the majority of our people think. Some people who have miserably failed in education, job performance, family life, social life or anything for that matter seem to be taking the lead in changing the country and its people. Innocent but desperate people out of emotions and hopelessness cling on to some of these slogans to find happiness.

We know that life is a blessing and a curse. While it’s no doubt that our country has been through some tumultuous times, we must keep going. Being mentally strong with the right attitude will see you through these challenging days.Life is so full of many uncertainties, and it’s extremely easy to get mentally exhausted dealing with the stress and drama of it all.

However, you have an obligation to yourself and your family to take care of your health – so life has to go on. When you are stressed and frustrated, it’s easy to become fatigued as well as disconnected from those around you. We talk of increased productivity coupled with the right attitude being the way forward in reverting the adverse economic trend. In that the mind-body connection cannot be denied. So how do you stay mentally strong when the stress and pressures of life try to keep you down?

Rejuvenate your mind

The only way out of the current predicament is for everyone to work harder and create value for themselves first and then for the country for a better tomorrow.

The country’s future depends on “what I do and not on what others do”. What is the thing that helps you to free your mind from stress and refocus on something positive to create greater value? You should set aside an hour every day that is dedicated to doing the things you love.

Take a walk through the park or spend an hour scrapbooking. Whatever it takes to keep you mentally strong and content. Life isn’t about all work and no play.Do you ever feel like your life is the same old, same old? Do something different that will make you feel better? When you break up the daily grind by doing something unexpected, it can help to keep you mentally strong.

Stress is a part of your life, and there’s no getting rid of it. One of the best ways that you can stay mentally strong is by balancing it with activities you enjoy to maintain your energy. Life can be overwhelming, and it’s especially difficult if you take on more than you can handle. When you learn to say no, and you ask others for help, you take control of your mental health.

Accept and deal with change

Current changes can be overwhelming and stressful, but that doesn’t mean it’s inherently “bad”. Sometimes, change is necessary and the best way to move forward is to adapt to it. Your energy might be better spent acknowledging and accepting change, rather than struggling to resist it. We have no solution to all the issues we face. We have to tolerate some issues and things we don’t personally enjoy or like. That’s how the world is.

Learn how to identify negative self-talk and re-frame it into more helpful thoughts. One simple strategy is to ask yourself “What is the most helpful thought I could tell myself right now?”. Or, “What would I say to my best friend if they were going through the same thing?”.

Sometimes, tough times might bring you down. You might need to take some time to look after yourself. To heal. To pick yourself back up again. And whenever you’re ready, these strategies can help you cultivate resilience and become even more mentally strong.

After all, it’s my actions that will decide our future.

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