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A Day in My Life – Part 2

  • Writer: Ersin Pamuksuzer
    Ersin Pamuksuzer
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

Dear Friends,


In the previous issue, we kicked off a few observations on the flow of a regular day in my life.

This time, we’ll look at how the stress of the outside world spills into our personal lives. We’ll cover a few aspects now, and save the rest for future editions.

At first glance, it may seem like our mind simply manages our thoughts. But behind the scenes, it’s in constant communication with our body—linked to every single cell via our cognitive operating system and genetic blueprint. Signals and perceptions from the outside world merge with emotional baggage from the past or anxiety about the future, creating chemical messages that ripple through our entire system. In other words, stress isn’t just mental—it’s deeply physical too.

Once stress enters the flow of things, it affects everything that follows. Workplace pressure, traffic chaos, or social friction can shape our actions for hours afterwards. Emotional eating is a good example. We’re not hungry, but we reach for sugary, fatty, or carb-heavy foods—not out of need, but to soothe an inner discomfort, consciously or not.

And our relationships are not exempt from this process either. Until we manage to reset ourselves, tension seeps into our conversations—with children, spouses, friends. Conflicts arise. Misunderstandings escalate. Then comes the regret, the sleepless nights, weight gain, and sometimes a slide into unhealthy habits like alcohol, or social withdrawal.

So, what’s the solution? First and foremost, we need to equip ourselves with the art of coping. The world is the way it is—it’s naïve to expect otherwise.

A few practical ways to manage stress:


  1. Slow and steady breathing (or simply meditating)

  2. Listening to calming music

  3. Taking a shower

  4. Running or doing physical activity

  5. Changing your surroundings

  6. Using natural supplements like: L-Theanine Ashwagandha Passionflower (Passiflora) Lemon balm (Melissa) Lavender


In certain situations, such as when you have trouble falling asleep, try taking melatonin, listening to soft music before bed, or engaging the mind in something gentle to still the cacophony of mental chatter. If you’re stressed before a meal, a short walk or deep breathing can help prevent overeating.

When we’re with loved ones, it’s important either to calm ourselves beforehand or to be honest about our mood. That way, they understand it’s not about them. Traditional rituals like stopping for a drink on the way home, the British pub visit, or a quiet game of backgammon in the coffee house once served this purpose—a pause to reset.

In short, friends, don’t let the sour notes of the outside world reach the hearts of those you love. Safeguard yourself—and them.

Personally, I use a practice I call “Mood-Shifting Meditation.”

Here’s what I do:


  • Reflect on the recent moment, accept it, and let it go

  • Practice deep breathing

  • Bring to mind things that make me feel good

  • Listen to soothing, peaceful music


Again, we are reminded of the wisdom of the Vietnamese monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh; “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

Yes, we live in a difficult world, under demanding conditions. But if we don’t take care of ourselves, we suffer—and so do those around us.

Someday, we’ll talk about managing other people’s stress, too—but let’s save that for another time.

Until the next edition, stay well. I’d love to hear your thoughts—good or bad.


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