Why does it feel good to not give a damn?
As I mentioned, I’m a hypersensitive person who also struggles with a major anxiety disorder. Because of this, I find it incredibly hard to tell myself to stop giving a damn 😅. However, I’ve been working on letting go for several years now with the help of therapy, and I know just how transformative it can be. As the psychologist Jon Kabat-Zinn so eloquently puts it:
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
This metaphor is not only cool but also incredibly accurate 🏄♀️. We can’t always control the events we encounter in life, but we can learn to manage our emotions. When we decide not to let negative emotions take over, we release pressure and relieve stress. And why is this important? Because stress has harmful effects on both our mental and physical health, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of heart disease 😓.
👋 You may be interested in this article: 10 Tips on How to Let Go of Things and Feel Freer Than Ever
Should we stop giving a damn about everything?
Yes, not giving a damn is one of the secrets to happiness because it has real, positive effects on the body and mind. However, there’s a fine line to walk here. While letting go is a central concept in many philosophies, it shouldn’t be taken to the extreme 🤔. Some people stop caring about anything to the point of becoming indifferent and disengaged from life. This behavior can create distance between them and others, as it’s not socially accepted.
In psychology, indifference often signals a deeper, underlying problem 🤕. When someone doesn’t care about anything, it may be a defense mechanism to avoid pain. In more serious cases, this disillusioned behavior can indicate apathy or depression, as explained by psychiatrist Aaron Beck. It can also be a characteristic of antisocial personality disorder, where a person shows no regard for others’ feelings or rights 😥.
👋 Discover: What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
It’s all about balance
Like everything else in life, it’s all about balance. There are many things, such as our relationships or work, that require a certain level of emotional investment. Letting go doesn’t mean ignoring these important aspects of life. Instead, it’s about recognizing what’s beyond our control and choosing not to hold on to it with anxiety, anger, or resentment.
When we stop sweating the small stuff, we free up mental and emotional energy to focus on what truly matters 🥰. For example, instead of getting outraged over trivial things like “the shopping delivery is late” or “I missed my train,” we can learn to let go of these minor frustrations. This shift in mindset requires work and self-awareness, but it’s worth it. By saying goodbye to our need to control everything, we can let go of unnecessary burdens and live more freely.
How to start letting go?
If you’re wondering how to begin this journey, here are some actionable tips:
- 🧘♀️ Practice mindfulness: Focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or future.
- 📖 Journal your thoughts: Writing down your worries can help you process and release them.
- 💪 Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that drain your energy unnecessarily.
- 🌿 Engage in relaxation techniques: Activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help reduce stress.
- 🗣 Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or advisor to gain perspective and guidance.
👋 You may also like: How to Stop Needing to Control Everything
Editor’s note: Finding the right balanceAs is often the case in life, it’s about finding the right balance: how much should you invest, and when should you let go? If you’re struggling to figure this out, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A psychologist can help you identify what deserves your attention and what you can let go of. It’s a step toward emotional freedom and better mental health. 🤗 Understanding yourself, accepting yourself, being happy... It’s here and now! Connect with an advisor |
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