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Life can be tough, and we all know it. From the moment we are born, we are faced with challenges and obstacles that can make us feel like giving up.
Whether it’s dealing with loss, navigating difficult relationships, or facing health issues, life can often feel like an uphill battle.
But why is life so hard? That’s a question that has puzzled philosophers and mostly everyday people for centuries. And I’ll try my best to do justice to this question in this article.
Maybe you’re going through a tough time right now or simply looking to prepare yourself for future obstacles, reading this will help you feel more equipped to handle the ups and downs of life.
It’s important to acknowledge and understand these difficulties, as doing so can help us build resilience and find new ways to navigate the challenges that may come our way.
That said, here are 15 major reasons why life is so hard.
1. Uncertainty
Uncertainty is one of the biggest reasons why life can feel so hard at times.
I mean, let’s face it, none of us really knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, or even the next hour for that matter.
We can make plans, set goals, and try to predict what the future holds, but the truth is, life is unpredictable and often full of surprises — both good and bad.
Uncertainty can be especially challenging when it comes to major life events, like starting a new job, moving to a new city, or navigating a difficult relationship.
We may find ourselves asking questions like, “What if I fail?” or “What if this doesn’t work out?” These uncertainties can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed, and can even make it difficult to move forward and take action.
What to do about it:
While uncertainty can be uncomfortable and even scary, it’s important to remember that it’s also a natural part of life.
In fact, some of the best things that happen to us in life can come from moments of uncertainty. After all, if we always knew exactly what was going to happen, life would be pretty boring, don’t you think?
So instead of letting uncertainty bring you down, let’s try to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and discovery. Who knows, maybe that next unknown turn in the road will lead you to something truly amazing.
2. The unexpected losses we experience can make life so hard
Loss is an inevitable part of life. It can come in many different forms – from the loss of a loved one to the loss of a job or a dream.
No matter what kind of loss you experience, it’s never easy to cope with. It can feel like the ground has been ripped out from under you, leaving you feeling lost, confused, and alone.
Losing someone you care about deeply can be one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to go through. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe – a mix of sadness, emptiness, and longing.
You may find yourself struggling to come to terms with the fact that they’re gone, and you might wonder how you’ll ever be able to move on.
Even when the loss isn’t related to a person, it can still be incredibly challenging to cope with. Losing a job, for example, can make you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. You may struggle with feelings of worthlessness, self-doubt, and anxiety about the future.
One of the hardest things about loss is that it’s often completely out of our control. It can happen suddenly and without warning, leaving us feeling like we have no say in the matter. But while we can’t control the loss itself, we can control how we respond to it.
What to do about it
Coping with loss takes time, patience, and self-compassion. It’s important to allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with it, whether it’s sadness, anger, or confusion. It’s also important to reach out for support when you need it, whether that means talking to a friend or seeking the help of a therapist.
While a loss may be one of the reasons why life can be so unfair, it’s important to remember that it’s also a part of what makes life so precious. Cherish the moments we have with the people and things we care about, and to appreciate every day we have on this earth.
[Related: 6 Mistakes People Make in Their 20s That Guarantee They’ll Have a Hard Life]
3. Stress sometimes makes life difficult
Ah, stress – the ever-present thorn in our sides. We all know what it feels like – that tightness in your chest, the racing thoughts, the feeling that everything is just a little bit too much to handle.
It’s no secret that stress is one of the main reasons why life can be so difficult.
Whether it’s work, relationships, or just the everyday demands of modern life, stress can be a major source of physical and emotional strain.
It can impact our sleep, our appetite, and our ability to think clearly and make good decisions. And over time, chronic stress can lead to serious health problems, from heart disease to depression.
What to do about it:
One thing about stress is that it’s not always avoidable. We can’t always control the things that cause us stress, whether it’s a demanding boss or a difficult family member.
What we can control, however, is how we respond to that stress. By finding healthy coping mechanisms, like exercise, meditation, or therapy, we can learn to manage our stress levels and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, remember that you’re not alone. It’s a natural part of the human experience, and something that we all have to deal with at one point or another.
The key is to recognize when you’re feeling stressed and to take steps to manage it before it becomes too much to handle. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to face the ups and downs of life with strength and grace.
4. Responsibilities can sometimes make life overwhelming
Responsibilities can be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they give us a sense of purpose and help us feel like we’re contributing to something greater than ourselves.
On the other hand, they can also be incredibly overwhelming and stressful.
From work and family obligations to household chores and personal commitments, responsibilities can quickly pile up and leave us feeling like we’re drowning in to-do lists.
The pressure to meet these responsibilities can be especially challenging when we’re dealing with other difficulties, such as health issues or financial struggles.
But even when things are going relatively well, responsibilities can still be tough to manage. It’s easy to feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done.
And when we fall behind or fail to meet our responsibilities, it can be hard not to feel like we’re letting ourselves and others down.
So, while responsibilities can be a source of motivation and accomplishment, they can also be a significant stressor.
What to do about it:
Find ways to balance our obligations with self-care and downtime, so we don’t get burnt out. This might mean delegating tasks to others, learning to say “no” when necessary, or seeking out professional help or support.
It’s up to each of us to find the strategies that work best for us in managing the responsibilities of life.
[Also read: If You Want to Grow, Accept These 6 Hard Truths]
5. Health issues
Health issues can be incredibly challenging to deal with, both physically and emotionally.
Whether you’re dealing with a chronic condition or a sudden illness, health issues can throw your entire life off course.
Suddenly, the things that used to come easily to you may feel like insurmountable obstacles, and it can be difficult to find the energy and motivation to keep going.
But health issues don’t just impact us physically; they can also take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. Dealing with pain, illness, and the uncertainty of not knowing what the future holds can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.
It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re alone in your struggles, or to feel like your life has been put on hold while you deal with your health issues.
What to do about it:
One thing that helps is understanding that you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are dealing with health issues, and there are resources and support systems available to help you through this challenging time.
Whether it’s reaching out to loved ones for support, joining a support group, or working with a mental health professional to manage your emotions, there are steps you can take to find some relief.
6. Financial struggles
Money makes the world go round, or so the saying goes. And while it’s true that money can’t buy happiness, financial struggles can certainly make life more difficult.
Most people have been there. When you’re dealing with debt, unemployment, or simply struggling to make ends meet, financial issues can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being.
Living paycheck to paycheck can be incredibly stressful, as you may feel like you’re constantly one unexpected expense away from disaster. And when you’re in debt, it can be overwhelming to see your hard-earned money disappearing into interest payments and fees.
But financial struggles don’t just impact your bank account — they can also impact your relationships, your health, and your overall quality of life. When you’re constantly worried about money, it can be hard to focus on anything else.
You may find yourself snapping at your loved ones, struggling to sleep, or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches.
Of course, there are many different reasons why someone might be dealing with financial struggles. It could be due to a job loss, a medical emergency, or simply living in an expensive area.
But regardless of the cause, it’s important to acknowledge that money issues can be a significant source of stress and anxiety.
What to do about it:
There are countless legal ways to through to secure a good financial future.
But as a general rule, take steps to manage your finances and find ways to ease the burden. Whether it’s creating a budget, seeking out financial assistance programs, or simply talking to a trusted friend or family member, there are many resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.
[Interesting: 9 Hard Core Life Lessons From Denzel Washington]
7. Relationship issues make life harder
When it comes to the challenges that life throws our way, few things can be as emotionally draining and difficult to navigate as relationship issues.
Relationship issues can take many forms, from small misunderstandings and disagreements to major conflicts that require professional intervention.
Whatever the nature of the issue, it can be challenging to work through it on our own, especially if we’re feeling hurt or emotionally overwhelmed.
One of the biggest challenges of relationship issues is that they often require us to confront our shortcomings and vulnerabilities. It’s not always easy to acknowledge our faults or work on our communication skills, but doing so is essential if we want to heal and repair damaged relationships.
8. Discrimination and prejudice
Discrimination and prejudice are ugly aspects of life that can make it so much more difficult.
When people are treated unfairly because of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other factor, it can cause a lot of pain and suffering.
It’s hard enough to deal with the normal challenges of life, but when you add discrimination into the mix, it can feel like an uphill battle.
Imagine going to work every day and being passed over for promotions or treated unfairly because of your skin color or gender. It can be incredibly demoralizing and make you feel like you’re not good enough, no matter how hard you try.
Or imagine being bullied at school because of your sexual orientation or religion. It can be isolating and make you feel like you don’t belong.
Unfortunately, discrimination and prejudice are still prevalent in our society today. Even with all the progress we’ve made, there are still people who judge and mistreat others based on factors that are completely out of their control.
It’s not fair, and it’s not right, but it’s a reality that many people have to face.
[Also read: These Hard Truths From Jordan Peterson Will Help You Level Up]
9. Natural disasters
Natural disasters can be some of the most destructive and devastating events that we can experience in life.
When earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, or other disasters strike, they can cause physical damage, emotional trauma, and even loss of life. These events are particularly challenging because they are entirely out of our control, and the aftermath can be long-lasting.
After a natural disaster, communities are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild. Families may have lost their homes, and people may have lost loved ones.
The rebuilding process can be lengthy and challenging, as people work to rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure. It can also be incredibly stressful for those who are impacted, as they may be dealing with the loss of possessions, uncertainty about the future, and other difficulties.
On the somewhat “bright side”, natural disasters are undoubtedly challenging, but they can also bring out the best in people. Communities often come together to support one another, donating supplies, volunteering time, and offering emotional support.
Despite the challenges that natural disasters bring, people have a remarkable ability to come together and find ways to move forward.
10. Personal limitations
Every one of us has our own set of strengths and weaknesses, and while it’s important to focus on our strengths, we also need to be aware of our limitations.
Whether it’s a physical, mental, or emotional limitation, these factors can hold us back and make certain aspects of life more challenging.
For example, if you have a physical limitation, you may find it harder to participate in certain activities. Mental or emotional limitations can cause you to struggle with things like decision-making or interpersonal relationships.
What to do about this:
While personal limitations can be difficult to overcome, they don’t have to define us or hold us back. In fact, acknowledging and working with our limitations can help us grow and become more resilient.
By understanding our limitations and finding ways to work around them, we can learn to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity.
Of course, this is easier said than done. Overcoming personal limitations is a journey that takes time and effort.
But with the right mindset, support, and determination, we can find new ways to navigate life’s challenges and achieve our goals, no matter what limitations we may face.
[Related: 10 Possible Reasons Why Bad Things Keep Happening to You]
11. Societal pressures
From a young age, we’re bombarded with messages about what we should look like, what kind of job we should have, and how we should act. These expectations can be incredibly difficult to live up to, especially if they don’t align with our values or goals.
For example, if you’re constantly bombarded with messages that you need to have the latest gadgets and wear the most fashionable clothes, it can be hard to resist the pressure to keep up with the latest trends. This can lead to financial strain and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction.
Similarly, if you’re not living up to society’s expectations of what a successful career looks like, you may feel like you’re not measuring up. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, stress, and even depression.
What to do about it:
Understand that these societal pressures are often based on arbitrary standards that don’t necessarily reflect our true desires or needs.
It can be helpful to take a step back and question these expectations, asking yourself what matters to you and what you want out of life.
Focus on your values and goals, you can help ease the burden of societal pressures and create a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling.
12. Injustice
Injustice is something that unfortunately affects so many of us. It can come in many forms, from racial or gender discrimination to being wrongfully accused of something you didn’t do.
When you experience injustice, it can feel like a punch to the gut, leaving you feeling frustrated, angry, and hopeless.
One of the reasons that injustice is so difficult to deal with is that it often feels like there’s nothing you can do to make things right. It’s like you’re up against a giant, faceless system that doesn’t care about your rights or your well-being.
And while we’ve made progress in terms of addressing issues of injustice, it’s still a pervasive problem in many parts of the world.
13. Addiction
It’s not always easy to understand why someone becomes addicted, but it’s important to remember that addiction is a complex issue that can have a wide range of causes.
For some people, addiction may start as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions. For others, addiction may begin as a way to experiment or have fun with friends, but then gradually becomes more and more consuming.
One of the reasons addiction can make life so difficult is that it can impact every aspect of your life. It can strain your relationships, impact your career, and take a toll on your physical and mental health. Addiction can make it hard to function in daily life, and can even lead to legal troubles or financial struggles.
What makes addiction particularly challenging is that it’s not just a matter of willpower.
Addiction changes the chemistry of the brain, making it harder to quit even when you want to. It can be a long and difficult journey to overcome addiction, and it often requires a combination of professional help, social support, and personal commitment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many resources available, from support groups to professional treatment programs, that can help you or your loved one overcome addiction and start on the path to a healthier, happier life.
14. Trauma
Trauma can be a life-altering experience that can leave a lasting impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
It’s an unfortunate reality that many of us may experience trauma at some point in our lives, whether it’s from a major life event or a series of smaller experiences that add up over time.
Trauma can take many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to neglect, loss, or other difficult life events. It can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and a whole range of other emotions, making it hard to navigate our daily lives.
One of the toughest things about trauma is that it can be hard to overcome. It’s not something that can be brushed aside or ignored, as it tends to stick with us, sometimes for years or even a lifetime.
However, it’s important to remember that healing is possible, and that we can find ways to cope with the aftermath of trauma and regain control of our lives.
If you’re dealing with trauma, the best thing to do is to seek help and support from those around you, whether it’s friends, family, or a mental health professional. There’s no shame in reaching out for help, and it’s a crucial step in your journey toward healing.
15. Loneliness
Loneliness is a universal experience that we’ve all encountered at some point in our lives.
It can be a difficult emotion to process, especially when it feels like you’re the only one in the world who feels that way. And it often leads to a sense of isolation, and feelings of sadness, anxiety, and even depression.
Loneliness can be particularly challenging in our fast-paced, constantly connected world, where social media and technology can sometimes feel like poor substitutes for real human connection.
Even if we’re surrounded by people, it’s still possible to feel lonely if we don’t feel truly seen or understood.
The effects of loneliness can be far-reaching, impacting not just our emotional well-being, but also our physical health. Studies have shown that loneliness can lead to a weakened immune system, increased inflammation, and even higher rates of mortality.
What to do about it:
Despite its challenges, loneliness is a natural part of the human experience. It’s okay to feel lonely, and it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you.
There are ways to combat loneliness, from reaching out to loved ones to joining social clubs or volunteering in the community.
Final words
The bottom line is, life is a journey full of ups and downs, and it’s up to each of us to make the most of it.
I hope this article has provided you with some insights and strategies for navigating the challenges of life, and we wish you all the best on your journey through life.
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