This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
We are the creators of our stress
Not listening to yourself causes anxiety.
Whenever you force yourself to do something you don’t want to do, you create anxiety.
I’m not talking about your responsibilities, like paying your light bill.
I’m talking about going to that job you hate instead of getting a new one.
Or saying yes to your friend when you mean no.
Or staying in a relationship you’ve wanted to exit for some time.
Or continuing not to set boundaries with people at work.
Or completing exercises you don’t want to do instead of executing a routine you enjoy.
Sometimes we feel there is only one right way of doing a career, a relationship, a job, etc.
But there are always multiple right ways of doing things that can add joy to your life and mitigate your stress and anxiety.
Avoid living a rote life; experiment.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.