Adulting is hard. What can we do about it? | Health Check Podcast

Summary

This video explores the challenges of adulting and mental health, offering insightful advice for young people navigating life’s hurdles. The speakers emphasize that adulting is a skill learned through experience, much like learning to cycle or dance. They stress the importance of self-compassion, gratitude, and recalibrating expectations for success. The conversation also delves into coping mechanisms for mental health, highlighting the significance of taking breaks, disconnecting from social media, and engaging in self-care activities. Ultimately, the video encourages young people to face setbacks, redefine success, and prioritize their well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adulting is a skill that needs to be learned over time, similar to learning new activities like cycling or dancing.
• 😀 Failure and mistakes are part of the process, and reflection on these experiences helps improve future decision-making.
• 😀 Gratitude and self-compassion are crucial for mental well-being, helping you stay grounded and focused.
• 😀 Social media can negatively impact mental health by fostering unrealistic comparisons and feelings of jealousy.
• 😀 Disconnecting from social media occasionally helps recalibrate one's sense of reality and reduces the negative impact of comparison.
• 😀 Taking time for self-care and mental health is essential, and practicing kindness to oneself is a survival skill.
• 😀 The fast pace of life can be overwhelming, and learning to breathe and slow down can help manage stress and mental health.
• 😀 It is important to reassess personal definitions of success and happiness, especially during challenging moments in life.
• 😀 Overcoming setbacks and challenges contributes to personal growth, and embracing these experiences leads to greater resilience.
• 😀 Everyone has different coping mechanisms for stress, whether through activities like massages, walks, or spending time with loved ones.
• 😀 Prioritizing self-care and taking breaks when overwhelmed allows you to recharge, ensuring long-term mental well-being and success.

Q & A

What is the main message about adulting shared in the script?

Adulting is considered a skill that must be developed through experience. It is not something you're born with, but rather something you learn over time by facing challenges, reflecting on experiences, and improving.

How does the speaker view failure in the context of adulting?

Failure is viewed as a natural part of the learning process. Just like learning how to cycle or dance, it's normal to fail initially, but each failure is an opportunity to reflect and improve.

What advice did the speaker give regarding social media?

The speaker advises disconnecting from social media occasionally to recalibrate and reconnect with the real world. Social media can often lead to negative emotions like jealousy, envy, and unnecessary comparisons, so it's important to focus on gratitude and self-care.

What did the speaker mention about the role of gratitude in mental health?

Gratitude is emphasized as a key practice for mental well-being. The speaker believes that practicing gratitude helps shift focus away from what we lack and towards appreciating what we have, which in turn improves mental health.

How does the speaker recommend handling overwhelming situations?

The speaker recommends learning to breathe and recalibrate expectations when feeling overwhelmed. By breathing and taking a step back, one can gain perspective and better handle life's challenges.

What is the significance of 'breathing' in mental health according to the speaker?

Breathing is seen as a fundamental skill to manage stress. When overwhelmed, it’s important to slow down, take deep breaths, and regain control over the body’s reaction to stress, which can help calm the mind.

How does the speaker define success and happiness differently from when they were younger?

Earlier in life, success was defined by career achievements, money, and influence. However, with time, the speaker now sees the importance of asking deeper questions about their existence, life purpose, and the impact they have on others.

What is the connection between personal challenges and growth?

Personal challenges are seen as integral to growth. Facing difficulties head-on allows individuals to learn from their experiences, build resilience, and move forward with greater strength and optimism.

What advice was given to young people struggling with mental health and adulting?

The advice is to embrace setbacks and challenges as part of the process of gaining experience in life. It’s important to reflect on these experiences and use them to shape one’s path forward. Additionally, finding personal coping mechanisms and taking time for self-care is essential.

What role does self-care play in handling stress and mental health struggles?

Self-care is essential for mental health. Engaging in activities that bring comfort and relaxation, such as taking walks, indulging in massages, or simply resting, helps individuals recover from stress and rejuvenate, allowing them to face challenges more effectively.