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So, in what aspects does age anxiety mainly manifest? Can you share how age anxiety is expressed among young people?#

Age anxiety mainly manifests in concerns about the changes and uncertainties brought about by aging, such as worrying about not being able to keep up with societal expectations in career development and academic achievements, as well as anxiety about appearance and energy decline during the aging process. Young people's age anxiety is often closely related to identity changes and role expectations. For example, a young person who graduated six months ago may feel anxious when transitioning from a student identity to a working identity, realizing that they are no longer among the freshest graduates and fearing they cannot adapt to the pace of society and take on corresponding responsibilities.
How does a 29-year-old experience age anxiety?
This 29-year-old feels age anxiety as they transition from being referred to as a "young person" to "young family," indicating they are now among the older cohort of unmarried peers. Seeing colleagues around them getting married and having children creates a sense of anxiety about not having reached expected developmental goals, especially as they realize they are approaching their thirties, intensifying this anxiety.

Do you feel any age anxiety?#

Personally, I do not have a particular anxiety about aging. Although I know I am getting older, my partner, who is aging alongside me, does not make me feel repulsed, so my age anxiety is not severe.
How does age range affect the perception of life experiences?
I believe that the twenties are a decade full of changes and transformations, possibly the most dynamic phase of life. By the time one reaches their forties, life tends to stabilize, and time seems to pass more quickly. Experiences and attempts in youth often make that period feel long and diverse.
So, how should one view things they wanted to do at 20 if they haven't done them by 30?
Even if one does things they wanted to do at 20 when they are 30, the experience may differ from when they were 20. For instance, running naked on the beach at 20 can feel liberating, but doing the same at 30 might be seen as immature by others. However, age anxiety does not solely stem from physiological aging; it is more about the pressure of social aging.
What is the deeper meaning of the naked run before exams in American universities?
The naked run before exams in American universities is a tradition for students to release stress, reflecting the phenomenon of young people seeking orderly emotional release in the face of exam pressure. This behavior is related to age anxiety, as it embodies societal expectations for appropriate behaviors at different ages.

What is the concept of social age?#

Social age refers to the age range expected by societal culture, during which certain specific behaviors should be completed, such as marriage and childbirth. People tend to believe that certain behaviors are more appropriate at specific ages, and exceeding that timeframe is considered inappropriate. The anxiety brought by social age is more reflected in the dissonance between individual and societal expectations.

When does age anxiety begin to appear?#

According to our research, age anxiety begins to appear at the age of 20. Although this conclusion is based on random sampling and is not representative, it indicates that at least some individuals start to feel the pressure and anxiety of aging at 20, such as anxiety about marriage and relationships. Meanwhile, 20 is still a critical period for the emotional stability of the prefrontal cortex; physiologically, individuals are not fully mature, but under the pressure of social age, they may feel they should take on adult responsibilities, leading to anxiety.

What are the societal expectations for employment, marriage, and childbirth during the 25 to 35 age range?
Society generally expects individuals in this age range to complete at least one of employment, marriage, or childbirth. Especially regarding employment, independent living and self-sufficiency are very important, as excessive reliance on parents can lead to unnecessary pressure and nagging. As for marriage and childbirth, while there is some freedom of choice, society tends to encourage those who adhere more closely to social age norms, and those who defy these "conventions" may face gossip and negative evaluations.
Is the prevalent notion of a "30-year-old job-seeking limit" accurate?
In reality, 30 is not an absolute job-seeking limit, but some industries or positions do set age restrictions at 30 during recruitment. However, the concern about not finding a job by 30 is not entirely correct, as the career prospects and development conditions vary by industry, and not all industries have the bleak outlook portrayed online.

What advice do you have regarding pursuing a PhD? Does pursuing a PhD help improve employment competitiveness?#

I suggest that individuals consider pursuing a PhD based on genuine academic interest and passion, rather than solely to broaden employment opportunities. From an educational perspective, undergraduate general education typically offers a broader employment scope, while graduate and doctoral stages become increasingly specialized, limiting job prospects. Professions like law and teaching, even if they may not offer high income, have their value and significance when pursued out of ideals and passion.
Not necessarily. While some believe that pursuing a PhD can increase educational qualifications, in reality, as educational levels rise, the job market for specialized interviews may narrow. PhD graduates may face greater challenges in the job market, especially in positions requiring quick adaptation to the workplace and basic tasks, where a PhD may become a disadvantage. However, if pursuing a part-time PhD with sufficient research project support and the ability to cover tuition, this experience can be beneficial for enhancing academic capabilities.

For individuals with work experience, how should they view the decision to pursue a PhD when considering new career advancements?#

For those with some work experience nearing 40, it is understandable if they choose to pursue a PhD for career development or personal interest. However, for young people, blindly pursuing higher education for smoother employment may not be correct, as it could lead to narrowing job prospects, making it harder to find work. Therefore, young people are encouraged to make decisions about further education based on clear career planning and interests.
What common anxiety issues exist among student groups? What advice do you have for students wanting to pursue a PhD?
Among student groups, various anxiety issues exist, including the anxiety of graduate and doctoral students about not graduating, such as the pressure of writing theses, conducting research, and publishing articles. Writing a doctoral thesis is an extremely painful process; even under favorable conditions, like when I was a visiting scholar at Harvard, I felt anxious. Additionally, the changing employment environment and higher publication requirements, especially for graduates from prestigious schools needing to publish journal articles, contribute to this competitive pressure and anxiety. Personally, I do not recommend deciding to pursue a PhD lightly unless there is a special passion for the subject. The anxiety and pain during the thesis writing process are objectively present, and with increasing conditions, such as higher graduation requirements, this anxiety becomes even more pronounced.

What anxieties and pressures do women face regarding childbirth? What are your thoughts on the trauma caused by childbirth?#

Women face various anxieties regarding childbirth, such as women around 26 experiencing pressure from society and family to marry and have children, while internally grappling with whether to have children and when to do so. My advice is that if there are plans for childbirth, it is best to do so early when parents are young enough to help care for the child, as having children at a younger age often results in better genes and quicker recovery. However, if economic conditions allow, having children at an older age can also have its stability benefits. The key is to consider the age and condition of those who can provide sufficient care and support. Childbirth can indeed cause some physical trauma, but it is not entirely negative; it can also have positive aspects, such as helping to prevent certain gynecological diseases and cancers. Modern medical technologies, such as painless childbirth, can significantly alleviate the pain of childbirth, and children can provide emotional comfort, stabilize marital relationships, and become an important source of support in life. Therefore, the pressure to have children is not solely negative; it also has its positive value.

What advice do you have for young people feeling anxious about marriage?#

For young people facing marriage anxiety, it is essential first to understand whether they genuinely want to marry and have children, rather than making decisions solely based on social pressure. They can participate in workshops or courses to better understand the nature of love and sociological perspectives on marriage. At the same time, they should clarify their needs and expectations regarding marriage, recognizing that marriage still holds some positive significance in modern society.
Is there a labor shortage issue in laboratories, and how does it differ from liberal arts graduate education?
Labor shortages do occur in laboratories; if personnel turnover happens, it may take a long time to find suitable replacements. This differs from liberal arts, where graduate students engage in academic research under professor guidance, and new students can quickly replace graduates.
How do you view students' attitudes toward choosing research topics and directions?
I remind students that some seemingly easy topics are actually challenging to complete, requiring overcoming initial hurdles. For the research topics they choose, even if they feel easy at first, they may encounter difficulties later. As a mentor, I will pave the academic path for students; as long as they can solve the first step, subsequent research will be relatively smooth.

What are your views on the social phenomenon of engineering PhD students being required to delay graduation?#

This is a social phenomenon where engineering PhD advisors may urge students to graduate, but some advisors hope students can complete specific tasks before graduating due to project needs. However, in any case, it emphasizes the importance of ethics and professionalism; advisors should not restrict students' development.
How should we view and adjust the age restrictions in teacher recruitment in certain areas?
There are indeed age restrictions in society, such as requiring teachers to be under 30, which is worth reflecting on in modern society. With increasing life expectancy and changing life pressures, these restrictions may need to be adjusted to more flexible methods; otherwise, they will impact many individuals.
What advice do you have for friends who have repeatedly failed to pass the teacher qualification exam for several years?
I suggest they try adjusting their study methods, as the teacher qualification exam is not particularly difficult to pass. If they still find it challenging, they might consider adjusting their career plans, such as finding a job to support themselves before making other plans.
How do you view the anxiety symptoms that arise in individuals around 30, such as health issues and work burnout?
This is a topic with significant individual differences. As people age, they may feel their physical energy is not what it used to be, experiencing the "seven-year itch," losing interest in work while feeling anxious about new challenges. This may be a normal psychological change, but some individuals find that life stages like marriage and childbirth can provide temporary psychological buffers, slowing the decline in happiness levels.

How do you view the concept of happiness levels and higher happiness?#

While some suggest that happiness in life declines, I do not entirely agree that happiness can be simply quantified by quantity and quality. Different individuals have varying understandings and experiences of happiness; simple pleasures like eating, drinking, and having fun also hold value and are not necessarily inferior to higher pleasures like spiritual fulfillment. The diverse sources of happiness in life should not be evaluated by a single hierarchy.
Does this 36-year-old man feel that life has become less free after marriage, leading him to become increasingly closed off?
Yes, he feels constrained after marriage, unwilling to go out, significantly reducing his previous social activities, and starting to stay at home more, resulting in fewer friends. He is unsure whether this change is related to age, marriage, or a necessary life process.
Do some people view marriage as a watershed moment and adjust their behavior accordingly?
Yes, this does occur. Some believe that there should be different behavioral patterns before and after marriage, such as wives focusing more on family and husbands needing to pay more attention to family life. However, in reality, there is no essential difference between marriage and dating.
Does marriage mean one must give up some personal freedoms, such as playing mahjong?
Many people consciously adjust their behavior after marriage, reducing some personal entertainment activities, like playing mahjong, to adapt to the increased sense of family responsibility.
Do judges in their forties face significant economic pressure, leading to anxiety?
Yes, judges in their forties face considerable economic pressure, including issues related to children's education, family expenses, and supporting aging parents, which can cause anxiety and lead them to consider changing jobs to improve family conditions.
Does a 41-year-old divorced individual without children feel age anxiety, worrying that life possibilities are diminishing?
Yes, a 41-year-old divorced individual without children may experience age anxiety, feeling that since their 39th birthday, life's possibilities have gradually decreased, and they lack the courage to change their situation.

Is life after divorce as happy as imagined?#

In reality, life after divorce is not necessarily happier than in marriage, especially if there were many grievances or troubles before the divorce; similar issues may still exist afterward, just in a different form.
How do people around 45 view aging, especially regarding physical aspects?
At 45, many begin to notice physical changes, such as declining sleep quality and reduced energy, marking a clear watershed that signifies a reevaluation of economic pressures, family responsibilities, and personal future planning.
Does age anxiety significantly decrease after 50?
Yes, age anxiety tends to stabilize around 50 and gradually decreases thereafter; individuals over 50 typically no longer experience severe age anxiety, as they have gone through more life stages and have a more peaceful mindset accepting the current situation.
In family education, how do anxious mothers connect current issues with future possibilities?
These mothers construct a domino-like logic system; for example, if a child performs poorly socially, they worry this will affect the child's future development, such as not finding friends, lacking resources, or even impacting family formation.

Is this phenomenon of anticipatory anxiety common?#

Yes, this phenomenon of anticipatory anxiety is very common; many mothers experience unnecessary anxiety due to societal templates, stereotypes, and pressures from family social networks.
Where does social age anxiety mainly come from?
Social age anxiety primarily arises from societal and individual levels. At the societal level, it mainly stems from rigid societal templates and pressures, such as age requirements for exams (like civil service or teacher qualification exams) and the social age for childbirth; at the individual level, it is the conflict between individual self-perception and external expectations.
How do you view modern society's obsession with social age?
Modern society is indeed overly obsessed with social age, but many so-called social age regulations can be broken. For example, the phenomenon of age-gap relationships proves that age restrictions are not insurmountable. For those facing social age requirements, such as civil service age and women's childbirth age, a rational attitude and adjusted perceptions are necessary.

How to cope with age anxiety?#

Methods to cope with age anxiety include: breaking the cognitive stereotypes of society, accepting and adjusting one's perceptions; setting small goals for different age stages and adopting rational methods to achieve them; at the same time, lowering goal pressure and focusing on current growth and experiences, enjoying every progress in life.
What advice do you have for those who are overly anxious and lack motivation?

I suggest that such individuals take practical actions, such as setting achievable small goals to change their current situation and putting them into practice. If they still cannot adjust themselves, they can seek help from external support systems. At the same time, it is essential to recognize the positive side of anxiety, as it reflects an individual's responsible attitude toward life; moderate anxiety can be transformed into positive planning and action.

Housework, childbirth, and marriage choices, how to price modern family life?#

Why is it difficult to accurately price the work of housewives?#

It is difficult to accurately price mainly because the intensity of housework is hard to quantify, and prices are primarily determined by supply and demand rather than simple physical labor intensity. Additionally, housewives often work long and irregular hours, and their labor quality is usually higher than that of general market housekeeping services, making pricing a complex issue.
Why is the valuation of housewives' work a meaningful research topic?
This is a meaningful research topic because it focuses on the social value of housewives in providing household labor and overall family services, a value that has not been adequately quantified in the market, despite widespread societal attention. This involves supply and demand relationships, labor market regulations, and the potential value of housewives as quality service providers.
Can the average salary level of full-time housewives be calculated from an economic perspective?
Yes, by referencing the average hourly wage of the tertiary service industry in urban China and combining it with the working hours of full-time housewives (such as working 6 days a week for 12 hours a day), a rough average salary level can be calculated, approximately between 10,000 to 11,000 yuan. However, this figure may vary depending on the family's service requirements and the quality of labor.

Besides actual service value, what other difficult-to-quantify values do housewives provide?#

In addition to providing household labor, housewives also bear the responsibility of accompanying children's education, which is difficult to replace with hired help or tutors. They also forgo opportunities for career growth, incurring high opportunity costs. Furthermore, the emotional value of housewives is significant; they need to continuously provide emotional support and comfort to family members, which cannot be directly measured in monetary terms.
In an economically dependent relationship, why do men feel the need to prove themselves after starting a business?
This economic disparity can lead to different psychological relaxations or pressures; even if there is mutual respect between spouses, men may seek to demonstrate their economic strength through entrepreneurship to achieve balance and recognition in family status.

Do full-time housewives often receive mental encouragement and comfort? Does the loss of social interaction opportunities increase their stress?#

Indeed, this issue exists; full-time housewives often do not receive sufficient emotional support and affirmation despite investing significant time and energy, making them highly reliant on emotional value from their spouses. Yes, full-time housewives lose the natural social circles formed during work, leading to a lack of emotional support sources, resulting in higher expectations for emotional comfort from their spouses.
Can the work value of housewives be measured in monetary terms, and what is the reasonable salary range for housewives?
According to discussions, if the work of housewives is quantified, first-tier cities might offer monthly salaries ranging from 10,000 to just over 10,000 yuan, while high-end family services, like those provided by Ma Yun's family nanny, could reach salaries of 50,000 to 80,000 yuan, but such cases are exceptional.
Is there an ideal situation where housewives can exchange work with each other to solve household labor issues and avoid emotional conflicts?
Theoretically, this is a good idea, but in practice, it involves emotional and psychological factors that complicate the situation. While from a labor perspective, three housewives working in different families can maximize resource utilization, emotional needs may lead to conflicts and disagreements in actual operations.
Why has the marriage rate declined as women's education levels have increased?
As women's education levels rise, their competitiveness in the workplace increases, labor participation rates rise, and incomes improve, leading some women who could marry or not to choose not to marry or to marry conditionally, resulting in a decline in marriage rates. This trend is universally present and irreversible unless there is a significant reduction in the demand for physical labor in society.
What significant changes occurred in the Chinese gaming market in 2012 and 2013?
In 2012 and 2013, the Chinese gaming market underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a focus on PC games to mobile games. This transition led to a large number of users migrating from PC platforms to mobile platforms, especially with the emergence of mobile games like "Honor of Kings," effectively addressing people's spiritual needs and providing better entertainment options during leisure time, thereby somewhat weakening the demand for marriage.

What impact has the popularity of smartphones had on marriage?#

The widespread use of smartphones has rapidly satisfied material and spiritual needs to some extent, narrowing the gap between prices offered to individuals and those offered to multiple people, thereby significantly diminishing the positive benefits of marriage. This has led many young people to begin questioning the economic logic and appeal of cohabitation.
Is marriage a high-quality option for individuals?
Whether marriage is a high-quality option varies from person to person. Based on personal experience, if one is fortunate enough to find a suitable partner, it can lead to mutual companionship and growth; however, if luck is not on their side, it may not be an ideal choice. In the modern environment, due to economic pressures and educational costs, more people are choosing not to marry or to marry later, viewing childbirth as a social responsibility and personal moral obligation rather than merely personal enjoyment.

Do modern young people yearn for traditional notions of a happy family life?#

For modern young people born in the 90s and 95s, there is considerable doubt about whether they yearn for traditional notions of a happy family life. Modernity itself is a battlefield, with high work pressure and fast-paced living, leading them to prefer self-rejuvenation and leisure entertainment over traditional companionship and shared household responsibilities.
What are the main reasons for the declining birth rate in the current social context?
The main reasons for the declining birth rate include the accelerated urbanization process leading to an atomized lifestyle, quality public services reducing reliance on marriage to meet needs; increased education levels for women and the pursuit of personal choice leading to more late marriages or unmarried individuals; and rising costs of raising children and extended child-rearing periods in developed economies, making childbirth a long-term investment with delayed returns, thus lowering the willingness to have children.

In today's society, do most parents realize the immense responsibility they bear in educating their children?#

Not necessarily; many parents, when facing pressures related to school admissions and limited educational resources, may blame the previous generation or consider it the child's issue, neglecting their own responsibilities. They may feel that if their child cannot get into a good school or meet expectations, they are not competent parents. This mindset contributes to the declining birth rate, as people's expectations for childbirth become more cautious and responsible.

What is the key issue regarding the current population problem in China?#

The core of China's population problem lies in the aging population structure rather than an excess total population. Maintaining a population scale of 1.3 to 1.4 billion may be dangerous for China, and the current issue is the rapid pace of aging rather than an overpopulation problem. Therefore, the key is how to address the social issues brought about by aging rather than simply controlling population numbers.
What are the deep-seated educational issues behind the "double reduction" policy?
The "double reduction" policy is essentially a profound reform of the current educational screening mechanism. The existing education system selects students qualified for higher educational resources through entrance exams like the college entrance examination and the high school entrance examination, while the double reduction aims to alleviate parental burdens and promote students' ability to learn easily under normal classroom conditions, discovering truly intelligent children and allowing them to unleash their potential during a relaxed childhood rather than consuming excessive energy too early.

Does the phenomenon of tutoring lead to unequal distribution of educational resources?#

Yes, the phenomenon of tutoring has led to unequal distribution of educational resources; rural children, due to financial constraints, cannot access the same quality educational resources yet face the same competitive pressures as urban children, which not only wastes the talents and abilities of rural children but also causes the country to suffer losses in selecting and nurturing outstanding talents.
Is the self-media industry still a good path for young people?
I do not recommend that young people consider self-media as their first choice. The self-media industry faces challenges with its business model, such as the conflict between making big money without regulation and expressing the truth versus audience perception differences. Additionally, content creators must bear the social responsibility of being subject to online harassment, and the industry has low returns, high risks, and is difficult to scale, making long-term development challenging. Only a very few creators with extremely high traffic who are willing to take on significant risks can succeed in this industry.

In the education sector, are there phenomena where courses for young children sell very well, but the outside world is unaware?#

Yes, there are courses aimed at young children, such as those teaching them to speak, that can sell hundreds of thousands in a single night, and these courses are relatively inexpensive, costing a few hundred yuan. This phenomenon is rarely reported in the news, so the public remains uninformed. Additionally, new mothers often do not have high expectations when purchasing such courses, believing that an investment of a few hundred yuan is not significant and will not affect the birth rate.

What issues do content creators face regarding traffic?#

As content creators accumulate more traffic, they also accumulate more opponents. When you invest a preference in the market through content, the number of people who like that preference is limited, and as traffic spreads, it will reach more people who hold negative attitudes toward that preference. For example, a blogger with millions of followers may face dissatisfaction and criticism from hundreds of thousands or even more people.
How should content creators respond to a large number of negative evaluations and opposing voices?
Content creators should be mentally prepared to bear social responsibility; the larger the traffic, the more criticism and opposing voices there will be, which is part of the job. When facing negative public opinion, one should not complain but rather endure silently and learn and grow from it. This is also a form of social responsibility that content creators need to take on.

With current educational resources being more abundant, why do parents still feel increasingly pressured? When will this competition ease?#

The increase in educational resources has not alleviated competitive pressure; instead, it has brought competition forward to the delivery room stage, with preparations for competition starting even before childbirth. Moreover, in large cities, many parents are beneficiaries of education and firmly believe that education changes destiny, making them more willing to provide their children with better education, creating a vicious cycle. It is expected that when this generation personally experiences and realizes that the benefits of education are not as great as imagined, societal consensus will change, potentially leading to some degree of competition easing. This easing may require this generation to become parents and personally feel that the actual benefits of a college degree do not meet expectations, thus generating new societal consensus on children's education issues, reducing expectations and pressures on children. Additionally, the increasing trend of government economic intervention globally may also impact future society.

Why does such a turning point occur every 30 years?#

This is because the decision-makers of an era are generally older, and the social issues they experienced in their youth become the driving force for their reforms. They attempt to solve the social problems accumulated over the previous 30 years, and once they achieve their vision, new problems arise. This transformative conflict is intense, and the shift is rapid; from the late 1970s to around 2008, market forces grew wildly, after which there was a shift to government-led economic policies.

What are the differences between government-led and market-led economic models?#

When the market leads, efficiency is higher, and total increments are larger; during government-led periods, fairness is prioritized, focusing on welfare and addressing poverty and equitable distribution issues. The two swing back and forth like a pendulum, trying to find a balance point.
How long will this transition last?
The duration is unpredictable, but historical patterns show that significant changes occur every 30 years; whether an era of efficiency and fairness can coexist in the future depends on factors such as technological development.
For young people in the current cycle, how should they cope?
Young people should not put too much pressure on themselves and accept the reality that economic growth is unsustainable. They need not overly fixate on whether their personal achievements surpass those of their parents, as economic miracles are the norm of unsustainability. Young people should lower their expectations, find market gaps and growth in their small environments, and leverage their advantages and learning abilities to adapt to and seize new opportunities.

Is recruitment easier now than before?#

In fact, recruitment is more challenging now. As talented individuals tend to maintain the status quo, the increase in resumes on the market raises screening costs, making it difficult for companies to find suitable core employees.
In modern society, do individuals face a question of whether to join the competition in their career choices and lifestyles?
Yes, in modern society, people must confront this question in various aspects of life, including career behavior, marriage, and childbirth—whether to participate in this war-like social competition.
Can economic theories fully resolve real-life issues, such as the choices of housewives?
No, while economics provides a tool for speculation, it is based on the assumption of rational individuals, whereas people in the real world are not entirely rational. Regarding the choices of housewives, in addition to economic considerations, there are also personal emotions, happiness, and various factors, with each person's value recognition of different roles being different.
From the perspective of economic research on the housewife issue, should we encourage housewives from lower-income families to work as nannies to achieve better economic returns?
According to economic research, if family income is low, housewives can choose to work as nannies to improve their economic conditions. In practice, the value of housewives can be reflected through the pricing in the labor market; for example, if one family is willing to pay 8,000 yuan and the neighboring family is willing to pay 11,000 yuan, the income gained by the housewife in this process is the difference between the two amounts.
Can the value of housewives be determined through economic calculations?
While it is possible to calculate the value of individual labor from an economic perspective, such as the "value" of a life or a housewife, in real life, such calculations often cannot be directly applied. The value of life and labor is difficult to measure accurately and involves many ethical and emotional considerations.
Should everyone have a short-term achievable goal and achieve happiness by overcoming challenges?
Yes, having short-term achievable goals and experiencing some setbacks during the process of achieving them is more conducive to generating personal happiness. If goals are smooth sailing or there are no clear goals, individuals may feel lost and desolate.

In industries like content creation, how can one address the issue of lacking a sense of achievement while pursuing goals?#

Content creators may encounter the issue of feeling empty despite being occupied with time and energy during the creation process, as it is challenging to determine whether the goals they pursue are genuinely desired. To resolve this issue, it is necessary to find specific goals that can address real-life challenges while also bringing a sense of happiness, such as growth; although this growth may bring anxiety, it serves as a quantifiable and realistic indicator in the real world.

Is it advisable for men to set aside more time for solitude and leisure in the new year?#

Yes, it is recommended that men do not fill their time completely but leave some space for themselves, whether in emotional or temporal solitude, as this can help spark great ideas and smart decisions.

In stress management, how do we differentiate between short-term and long-term stress, and what are their impacts?#

Short-term stress, such as sudden situations, can enhance focus and immune function; long-term stress, however, persists for a long time and poses significant health risks, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases or even sudden death. Mid-term stress lies between the two; if not properly managed, it may evolve into long-term stress. Additionally, moderate short-term stress can activate the body's immune system, while excessive or prolonged stress requires careful management and adjustment.

How do you cope with stress in your work and life? Have you experienced extreme physical reactions to this stress? At one point, I thought that showcasing my value through high-intensity exercise and attending every meeting was a way to relieve stress, but in reality, I was under immense physiological and psychological pressure. Yes, during a series of seven consecutive meetings, the combination of high-intensity work and psychological pressure pushed my body to its limits. I suddenly felt my body couldn't hold up during the seventh meeting, even experiencing severe physiological reactions like rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing, ultimately leading to fainting in front of everyone.

How can one monitor their stress levels using tools?#

Physiological stress levels can be measured using HRV (heart rate variability) monitoring devices, but it is important to note that isolated data points are not meaningful; they need to be viewed in conjunction with long-term baselines. Additionally, psychological scales can be used for self-assessment.
What reflections did this experience bring you?
This experience served as a wake-up call for me and the entire company, prompting deep reflection on the 996 work system and my lifestyle, which sacrificed health for entrepreneurship. I hope everyone can examine their life status and avoid remaining in a suppressed state without awareness.
Does stress have a contagious nature, and what examples illustrate this?
Stress indeed has a contagious nature. For example, one can feel the atmosphere of stress in a high-pressure environment, and there is a tendency for female roommates' menstrual cycles to synchronize. This may relate to hormonal influences, as women in the same dormitory can affect each other through hormones in sweat, and the stress of leadership positions can also be transmitted to subordinates through hormones like cortisol.

For leaders, how can they effectively manage stress to avoid impacting their teams?#

Leaders should seek effective stress-relief methods from the source, such as reducing cortisol levels through exercise rather than merely hiding stress psychologically. Additionally, they can sweat in appropriate settings to reduce the perceived stress on team members.

When you first sit down to convey a good impression to someone important, what subtle actions should you take to make them like you?#

It is recommended to look at the person's left eye with your right eye; this action is said to quickly establish intimacy between you and a stranger.
Why does looking at the other person's left eye with your right eye have this effect?
This is because most people use their left hand to hold a baby when embracing, making it easier for the right eye to make neural contact with the baby's left eye. This early eye contact between mother and child helps establish intimacy and may release oxytocin physiologically, fostering trust and closeness with others.
How can you ensure you accurately look at the other person's left eye?
There is no need to be overly concerned; just focus your attention on the other person's left eye, as your gaze will naturally look toward the mirrored position of their eye.

What positive effects does this eye contact have on interpersonal relationships?#

This eye contact can not only enhance mutual trust but may also promote intimacy through the release of oxytocin.
What role does oxytocin play in maternal love and parenting?
Oxytocin plays a key role in the transformation of a pregnant woman into a mother, helping mothers become more willing to give and experience feelings of happiness, loyalty, and companionship. Additionally, it indicates that the more parents invest in their children, the increase in oxytocin will make them more willing to continue giving, forming a positive cycle.

What suggestions do you have for using stress to establish deeper connections in life?#

Engaging in short-term, high-stress activities with partners or friends, such as skydiving or bungee jumping, can create challenges and a sense of achievement, thereby establishing deep connections through stress.

In stress-related experiments, what are the two stress hormones in bodily fluids, and what are their functions?#

There are two important stress hormones in bodily fluids: one is cortisol, which converts sugars and fats into energy under stress and suppresses non-essential functions like reproduction, digestion, and growth. The other hormone is DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a neurosteroid released under stress that aids brain growth, transforming stress into long-term physiological growth, such as enhancing muscle strength or improving brain function.

What is the significance of the DHEA to cortisol ratio in measuring the long-term consequences of stress on individuals?#

The DHEA to cortisol ratio represents the extent of long-term positive effects of stress on individuals; a higher ratio indicates greater resilience and a higher stress growth index, meaning individuals can thrive under stress.

How was the experiment designed to study the impact of different cognitions on stress responses? What did the results prove about the relationship between cognition and stress coping?#

The experiment recruited two groups of college students to participate in simulated interviews and provided negative feedback. One group watched a video emphasizing the harmful effects of stress before the interview, while the other group watched a video describing the benefits of stress. After the interviews, both groups' cortisol to DHEA ratios were measured through saliva tests to observe differences in stress responses under different cognitions. The results showed that the group watching the negative stress video had higher cortisol levels and lower DHEA levels, indicating that under negative cognition, people did not become stronger in the face of stress; in contrast, the group watching the positive cognition video had significantly higher stress growth indices, proving that viewing stress as beneficial can alter biological realities, meaning cognition can create and shape the reality individuals experience.

How can breathing techniques help cope with tension, especially before a speech?#

When feeling tense before a speech, one can use the physiological sigh breathing technique, which involves two short inhales followed by a long exhale. This helps flush the alveoli, reducing carbon dioxide buildup and promoting relaxation. Additionally, one can practice cyclical sighing in a quiet, comfortable place, taking a deep breath, expanding the abdomen, and then slowly exhaling through the mouth while making a sighing sound, which helps relax the entire body and promote health.
How should short-term, mid-term, and long-term stress be handled, especially mid-term stress? Short-term stress is beneficial, while long-term stress should be avoided as much as possible.
For mid-term stress, one can cope by increasing stress thresholds and tolerance, attempting to transform it into beneficial small goals or short-term sprint pressures.
At the same time, exercise is particularly effective in coping with mid-term stress; by improving the body's adaptability through exercise, one can achieve emotional and state dissociation, meaning that when the body becomes accustomed to moderate stress, it can maintain a stable mindset when facing actual stress without excessive anxiety.

In daily life, how can we understand the body's ability to perceive risks or diseases in advance through certain physiological signals?#

This phenomenon may arise from the strong connection between our bodies and the information stored in our subconscious, allowing us to receive marginal information and express it through physiological reactions. For example, one may have a premonition before falling ill; although it may not be possible to accurately interpret these signals, it reflects the body's information transmission and collaboration with the brain in a way that transcends our current understanding.
Is there a powerful information transmission system between our bodies and brains, and how does it affect our physical and mental health?
Indeed, there is such a powerful information transmission system that plays a crucial role in our perception, stress response, and appreciation of beauty. For instance, after experiencing significant challenges, the body adjusts the immune system through rest, which helps us cope with stress and maintain health.

What are the physiological effects of art on people?#

Art can cultivate individuals and make them feel good; the physiological reason is that humans gain a sense of security after meeting survival needs. When we appreciate art, it is because the underlying needs are met, prompting us to perceive and appreciate beauty.

What benefits do hugging or sleeping close to a partner have on brain nerves?#

Hugging or sleeping close to a partner can have positive effects on brain nerves, helping to protect and repair the brain, enhancing both physiological and psychological resilience, making individuals more resilient.
Can adults still reshape their brains, especially to enhance brain function?
Although the brain primarily develops fully before the age of 25, for those over 25, continuously learning new things, such as languages or musical instruments, can activate and develop higher brain functions—executive functions—making the brain more efficient and organized.
For those wanting to change unhealthy behavior patterns (like phone addiction), what should they do?
First, they need to recognize their specific behavior patterns, then visualize and label the consequences each time they decide to engage in that behavior, and finally, through deliberate practice, gradually increase the "weight" of each behavior, ultimately achieving a transformation in behavior patterns.

Why is it important to discuss meta language in the three ways to promote neuroplasticity?#

Meta language is a high-level cognitive ability that serves as a gateway for information filtering and translation, helping us transform received information into positive and beneficial concepts. For example, through meta language, we can rewrite the narrative of fear, a negative emotion, into a positive understanding, thereby changing the brain's response to information.
How does meta language influence our thinking and behavior?
Meta language acts as a "translator" in the brain, filtering and reorganizing the information we receive, and can even transform negative information into positive vocabulary. For instance, when we describe ourselves and challenges using positive language, we can shape a more positive mental state and behavioral performance.
What are the deeper reasons for avoiding negative self-talk?
Negative self-talk reinforces the impression of negative vocabulary in the brain, leading us to gradually believe and exhibit behaviors consistent with it. To avoid the negative impacts of such self-suggestion, it is advisable never to speak poorly of oneself but to treat oneself with constructive and encouraging language.

How does the power of language manifest in daily life?#

Experiments have shown that linguistic suggestions can significantly alter human behavior; for example, subjects who read positive vocabulary related to retirement walked more slowly, as if they had truly become the imagined retired elderly. This indicates that the power of language can subtly influence our behavioral patterns and psychological states.

How can we utilize the power of language for personal psychological reshaping and identity transformation?#

By changing the disease label from "thyroid cancer" to "health challenge" and transforming oneself from "patient" to "challenger," such linguistic shifts can ignite fighting spirit, prompting individuals to actively face various challenges related to physiological functions and motor skills during recovery, thereby achieving a reconstruction of psychological ecology.