Why Do We Struggle and Suffer? + ... Technique You Can Use NOW

Life isn’t always a smooth ride. More often than not, it feels like you’re wading through mud, just trying to keep your head above water. Ever wonder why you struggle so much, or why suffering feels like a constant companion? Let’s get real and dig into some of the key reasons that explain this cycle of stress, suffering, and emotional burnout.

Here are seven undeniable reasons we struggle:

1. High Stress:

Our modern world doesn’t let up. It’s a 24/7 grind with zero room for pause, and it’s slowly chipping away at our sanity. Whether it’s the pressure to be perfect, always accessible, or juggling multiple roles, the constant hum of stress leaves us depleted. The result? You’re drained before you’ve even begun your day. We were never meant to operate like machines, yet society glorifies the hustle while ignoring the very real toll it takes on our physical and mental health. If you feel on edge all the time, it’s not your fault—you’re living in a system that thrives on burnout.

2. Unresolved Trauma:

No one escapes the past unscathed, and unresolved trauma is like an uninvited guest at the table of your life. It lurks, it influences, and it shapes how you interact with the world. Old wounds are not “over and done” simply because time has passed. They fester, causing emotional triggers, physical ailments, and destructive patterns that keep you stuck. Until you face and heal those wounds, they continue to dictate your present. Think of your trauma as an unfinished story that keeps looping, waiting for resolution.

3. Lack of Self-Care:

Self-care is often viewed as indulgent or unnecessary, but that mindset is a recipe for disaster. It’s not a luxury; it’s a critical need. When you skip out on self-care, you’re essentially running on empty, pushing yourself until there’s nothing left to give. Burnout becomes your default setting, and suddenly, even the smallest tasks feel impossible. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you survive and thrive.

4. Disconnect from Our Bodies:

The mind-body connection is real, but we often act like they’re two separate entities. When your body signals distress—whether through fatigue, pain, or discomfort—what do you do? Most of us ignore it. We pop a pill, push through, and carry on. But ignoring your body’s messages leads to chronic issues, whether physical or emotional. Your body is always communicating with you, asking you to slow down, check in, and take care of it. The body speaks in whispers, but if you don’t listen, it will eventually scream.

5. Not Living in the Present:

You’re either lost in the past or anxious about the future, but rarely here, in the now. This lack of presence disconnects you from the moment, from your breath, from life itself. You’re mentally somewhere else while your body exists in the present, creating a split between the two. This disconnection is why you feel ungrounded, stressed, and unable to fully relax. Living in the now is where peace resides, but we rarely visit. The present moment is the only reality you have—anything outside of it is a mental construct.

6. Social Comparison & Unrealistic Expectations:

Let’s be honest—social media has turned life into a never-ending competition. We’re bombarded with images of perfection: perfect bodies, relationships, jobs, and vacations. It makes you feel like you’re always falling short. Constant comparison to unrealistic standards sets you up for failure, leaving you feeling inadequate and perpetually dissatisfied. The truth? Most of what you see online is a filtered fantasy. You are enough as you are—stop measuring yourself against illusions.

7. Fear of Change:

Change is scary, even when you know it’s necessary. The unknown is uncomfortable, and staying stuck in a situation—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a mindset—often feels safer than stepping into the new. But fear of change is also a fear of growth. Avoiding it only prolongs your suffering. The sooner you face it, the quicker you’ll realize that on the other side of discomfort is freedom. Change is inevitable—embrace it before it forces you to.

So, What Can You Do?

When life feels like it’s spiraling out of control, understanding why we struggle is the first step to breaking free. But knowing isn’t enough—grounding yourself in the present is where the real magic begins. Grounding connects you to the NOW, helping you find your center even when everything else feels chaotic.

Grounding Technique You Can Use Right Now:

• Find a comfortable seat.
• Place your feet flat on the floor.
• Close your eyes. Take a few deep, slow breaths.
• Focus your attention on the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Feel the support beneath you, both from the earth and the chair. Tune into the connection you have to the earth—solid, stable, and unwavering.
• As you breathe, allow this sense of grounding to fill your body. Feel how the earth holds you, no matter what is happening around you. You are safe, supported, and present.
• Let this sense of calm wash over you. You can come back to this practice whenever you feel overwhelmed or disconnected.

This technique is your lifeline during times of crisis. It brings you back to your body and the present, where real change happens.

Life doesn’t have to be constant struggle. In fact, every challenge you face holds the seeds of your personal growth. It’s not about escaping difficulty, but learning to use it as a catalyst for transformation. Ground yourself, take control, and move forward.

Let me know how the practice was for you! Comment below and follow for more life-changing insights.