Reasons Millennials Are Under Incredible Pressure

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t struggling lately. Emotionally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, I’m exhausted. Everything I’ve been going through the past year, makes it really easy to just give in to all my insecurities and just hide away from the world. Those are the days I’ve found it’s THE MOST important to get up and prove to the world I’m not so easily defeated. You're allowed to cry, you're allowed to scream, you're allowed to feel insecure, just don’t give up.

Being in my mid-twenties, I feel it’s a huge struggle to feel up to par where family and society expects you to be. You should be married by now, or you should have children by now, or have your own home. But the truth is, life isn’t cookie-cutter one-fits-all. When did it become so much about what society wants and nothing to do with what YOU feel is right at this point in your life?

That’s where I feel social media has played such an importantly devastating role in how people my age see ourselves and the world. We look not so much within, but outward about what is “supposed” to be, not what we in the deep down core of ourselves feel. It’s easy to scroll through Facebook and see how others are doing, mind you more times than not, they’re showing us the good, and only the good.

Take a moment to yourself. And ponder without outside influences of how others are doing, or what your family wants or expects. Do what YOU want. Not what Facebook or other social media has pressured you to feel is where you should be in life. When you look back on your life, I think you’ll be a lot happier doing what your heart leads you to, rather than what would make you feel up to society’s “standards." Do what you feel you need to do to live up to friends or family’s standards. And let’s be real, people only show you the good things, not the struggles they're going through as well.

Just because you're not married yet, maybe not even dating someone, don’t have kids yet, don’t have your career figured out, haven’t bought a house...you're still doing fine! You need to shut out the pressures of the world and do whatever is your idea of where you should be in life.

Another thing that’s helped me immensely is, as cliche as it sounds, finding a hobby. I’ve never been someone involved in sports or clubs or anything, so I’ve never actually had a real hobby. But I’ve searched and tried different things, and found out I absolutely LOVE doing crafts. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and a productive way to pass time. As a bonus, I have adorable things to decorate the house with, or give as homemade gifts! So my advice is to find something you truly enjoy. It will help keep your spirits high and keep your mind and soul happy.

Another thing, as cheesy as this one sounds as well, volunteering. Whether at an animal shelter or even a nursing home. Spending time helping others and bringing them joy really does wonders for the soul. Or even spending more time with an elderly family member. Playing games, taking them out for walks, or with children in your family. It all can really help you feel better about yourself, by helping others feel better about them self.

In the end, we all feel insecure, we all get down about ourselves, we all constantly compare our life to others. The key to happiness is being happy with what you have and focusing on what you have, not what you don’t. Love yourself, love your life, and be the best you that you can be.