Why Are We So Stressed—As If Our Minds Work Like Pressure Cookers?

While traveling by metro train, I’ve often noticed people getting into verbal fights over the smallest things—someone standing too close, brushing past unintentionally, or bumping into each other when the train stops suddenly. The real question is: Why are we so irritable and unsettled in our lives?

Even though many of us have enough to live comfortably and with dignity, we’re often not satisfied with what we already have. Instead, we become desperate to get more—more wealth, more comfort, and more recognition. The truth is simple: we’re not living in a realistic world anymore. Instead, we’ve immersed ourselves in a highly competitive culture that thrives on show-offs and comparisons.

People today are less concerned about whether they have enough for themselves and more concerned with what their neighbors have. And it doesn’t stop there—they also begin to wonder how their neighbors are getting those things and even how to stop them from achieving more. This mindset worsens when our brains become trapped in a cycle of constant thinking, planning, worrying, and multitasking. As a result, our minds rarely get the chance to rest, and the pressure starts to build up—just like a pressure cooker. Unfortunately, due to our busy lives, we forget to release that pressure and give ourselves time to relax.

Before the advent of mobile phones, the internet, and computers, we used to travel together, engage in conversations, and enjoy friendly gossip. Many of these travel-time friendships even turned into meaningful relationships. But now, technology has taken away that human touch. We don’t even feel the need to meet our real brothers or close ones. Instead, we focus on developing virtual relationships with people far away—people who, in reality, may not support us when we truly need them.

A survey by Home Credit found that around 77% of working professionals in India use personal loans, and nearly 33% of their income goes toward EMIs—for buying homes, two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and fulfilling unrealistic desires like traveling abroad. Another survey by the Times of India revealed that around 75% of Indians do not have an emergency fund, leaving them vulnerable to loan defaults if they lose their job or face any disruption.

In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and others, many young professionals are so desperate to own an iPhone, MacBook, or other expensive gadgets that they spend six to eight months of their entire salary to buy these items on EMIs. Even though a normal smartphone is more than sufficient for daily use, they want to show off to their colleagues, friends, and relatives.

As mentioned earlier, due to this desperate pursuit of both realistic and unrealistic desires—and because of our overly busy schedules—people fail to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Many cannot build or sustain meaningful relationships, and as a result, their marriages often end.

After a breakup or separation, many turn even more toward technology, where they are constantly bombarded with notifications, news, and social media content, and endless choices. The brain tries to process all of it, which becomes a source of mental tension and frustration. With no time for proper sleep, rest, or hobbies, we shut down all the natural outlets for releasing stress, anxiety, and frustration. When the body cannot express anger, emotions, or sadness, it builds internal pressure that may lead to depression. As we know, depression often arises from consistent feelings of sadness—and becomes a major threat to mental health.

Today, we no longer prioritize spending time with our real brothers, friends, or family. Instead, we chase digital connections with people far away—people who, in truth, are unlikely to help us when we need support the most. In seeking validation through screens, we’re losing touch with those closest to us, and this disconnection is a major reason behind rising mental health issues. We must learn to be content with what we already have. We need to be realistic and invest in real-life relationships rather than chasing approval from virtual strangers who are unlikely to stand by us during difficult times.

Always respect money and save for rainy days. Nobody truly cares what brand of clothes you wear or what phone you use. This is an era where people are too busy with themselves. If they really noticed others, they wouldn’t engage in inappropriate behavior in public spaces like metro stations, bus stops, parks, and multiplexes.

So be aware of what's happening around you—but don’t let it control your peace. Enjoy your life without comparing it to others. True happiness lies in simplicity, self-awareness, and genuine human connection—not in gadgets or social media likes.