Here is an advice that I once received from a Zen master. He said:
„This world is full of hooks. There is your family, teacher, girlfriend, bizniz, partners… there is the media, advertisement and social media. All of them is having a hook for you, meaning: Everybody wants something. Everybody has expectations about themselves and how you should be, fit in, perform and so on. Everybody wants something. That’s how we are as human beings living in the world. Don’t touch the hook. Do your thing, be in the world, focus on staying clear, open minded/hearted, grounded and compassionate. Help all beings. Learn to perceive the hook — just don’t get on the hook. Than you can really help this world.“
So if you are having a stressful day, take a deep breath and pay attention. Can you see the hook you got onto?
Watch closely, get off it and move on.
