Life doesn't require too much effort! Three natural wisdom to live a relaxed life

Recently, I have been seeing situations on my social media like "working overtime until dawn every day, but feeling further and further away from my goal" and "working hard on fitness and dieting, but the weight scale numbers remain unchanged". We seem to be trapped in a vicious cycle - the harder we work, the more anxious we become, and the more anxious we become, the harder we exert ourselves. In fact, ancient people have long understood this truth: the "governing by inaction" mentioned in the Tao Te Ching and Su Shi's "looking back at the desolate place, returning without wind or rain, without sunshine" both tell us that life does not require too much effort.

Why does the more you exert yourself, the more anxious you become?

1. Excessive consumption of psychological energy

is like opening too many apps on a phone at the same time, which can cause lag. When the brain is in a high-pressure state for a long time, judgment and creativity will decrease. The plans that are made late at night are often not as good as the ideas that come with sudden inspiration.

2. Disrupting natural rhythms

The human body has a natural biological clock, and forcibly disrupting sleep is like rowing against the current. A study has found that people who lack sleep for two consecutive weeks have lower work efficiency compared to those who have a normal schedule.

3. Falling into a "target trap"

When staring at the target without letting go, one may overlook the scenery during the process. Just like climbing a mountain and only focusing on the mountaintop, missing the wildflowers and sea of clouds along the way.

2. Three natural wisdom

1. Grow like bamboo

Bamboo can only grow 3 centimeters in the first four years, but from the fifth year onwards, it can grow 30 centimeters every day. The previous silence was rooted. Many things need to be accumulated, not because of insufficient effort, but because the time has not yet come.

2. Learn the wisdom of water

Water never breaks through forcefully, it detours when encountering rocks, and eventually converges into rivers and seas. When dealing with interpersonal relationships, making appropriate concessions can actually win more space.

3. Master the "70 point rule"

There is no need to pursue perfection in everything, maintaining a 70 point state is the most sustainable. Just like keeping a car at 70 km/h is the most fuel-efficient, life also needs to be left blank.

3. How to cultivate a sense of relaxation?

1. Establish a "buffer zone"

Set aside 30 minutes of blank time every day without assigning any tasks. This idle period can effectively alleviate decision fatigue.

2. Distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable

Focus on things that can be changed. The bad weather cannot be changed, but it can change the habit of carrying an umbrella when going out.

3. Cultivate the habit of "pausing"

Take three deep breaths when feeling emotional. This simple action can allow the prefrontal cortex of the brain to regain control.

4. Three things not to worry about

1. Occasional slackness

The human body is not a perpetual motion machine, proper rest is like restarting a computer, which can clear cache and improve running speed.

2. Other people's evaluations

You cannot satisfy everyone, just like some people dislike the Chinese yuan. The key is how you perceive yourself.

3. Unfulfilled Goals

Many of the failures that were considered at the time were necessary turning points when looking back. Just like missing a bus, it may prevent a traffic accident. Those who live a relaxed life are not those who don't work hard, but those who know how to let go at the right time. Just like flying a kite, if the string is too tight, it won't fly high. Leave some gaps in life so that sunlight can shine in. Remember, sometimes without deliberate pursuit, unexpected beauty can be gained.