After a long hiatus, Nicole Mohamed returns to 041Online with a candid take on staying sane in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.
It’s been three whole years since I last submitted anything to 041Online. For anyone who read my submissions back in 2023, yes, I’m blaming the entire hiatus on ADHD. OK, not really.
What Brought Me Back Here?
Things have really been a whirlwind since 2023. Actually, since 2020. Maybe even 2008. Or 2002. A really long time, basically.
What really hit me while scrolling through the 041Online Wellness articles was one in particular, offering advice on lowering the impact of global conflicts, written in July 2024.
Almost two years ago, How to Lower the Impact of Global Conflicts on Mental Health was published to help us navigate our mental health during what we hoped would be a short-lived conflict.
Ah, optimism. A glorious disposition that, as many of us have learnt, tends to get crushed by the powers that be faster than our bank accounts empty, which is saying something considering how unpredictable both are.
Nostalgia for Simpler Times
If you are part of the demographic that has hit your supposed mid-life, you’re probably longing for a time when Bibos were R1, Chappies were our primary source of general knowledge, and you could record your favourite songs off the radio onto a blank cassette tape while your parents watched the evening news.
A totally different world from the one we live in today.
While we cannot escape constant news updates or the reality that a loaf of bread or a litre of petrol costs about the same as a movie ticket did back then, we still have to find ways to stay sane.
So how do we do that?
Tips for Maintaining Sanity
How to Lower the Impact of Global Conflicts on Mental Health offers solid advice, but here are a few things I’ve found help keep me semi-sane. Sanity is not really something I’m genetically predisposed to.
1. Get So Excited
Try to reconnect with the excitement you felt when the world seemed a little more bearable.
Whether it’s new episodes of your favourite series, re-watching an old favourite, discovering new music, or making a childhood meal, find those small, low-cost things that bring you joy.
Remind yourself what it felt like when the world still felt like your playground.
2. Find Beauty Daily
Actively look for beauty in each day.
“Spend time in nature” has become such overused advice that it feels empty, but if you shift your focus away from bills, social media, and neighbourhood group chats, you’ll notice just how much beauty still surrounds you.
Yes, there’s pollution. Yes, infrastructure is crumbling. But the dandelions are still growing. Cows crossing the road are still oddly beautiful. Even the Hadeda shows off incredible colours in its feathers.
And beyond that, there’s beauty in living in a country where people still greet each other and humour is practically a national sport.
3. While We’re Talking About Humour
Laugh.
Even when it feels impossible.
Watch pet videos. Put on a stand-up special. Better yet, go to a live show.
We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine, and research backs that up. It has real physical and mental benefits. So just do the thing.
4. Just Be Lekker
Choose to be lekker.
This one is not easy. In my twenties, I complained a lot. It felt like the grown-up thing to do. I also took a few philosophy modules at varsity, so that did not help.
Once my brain finally caught up, I realised that negative thinking creates negative experiences. Actively looking for what’s wrong just amplifies everything that already feels overwhelming.
This does not mean ignoring reality. It just means not letting every small frustration ruin your entire day.
I’m not saying you need to send love and blessings to the person turning right from the left lane at John Tallant. But maybe do not let sold-out R16.99 bread define your mood for the rest of the day.
5. Phone a Friend
Stay connected.
I am not the social butterfly I thought I would be 15 years ago, but I still need some level of human interaction. Even if it is a quick chat in the Pick n Pay aisle.
More importantly, connect with the people closest to you. No matter your situation, most of us have at least one or two people we can speak to honestly.
Reach out.
Let’s Not Have a Totally Sh** Time
I’ll leave you with the words of Karen, played by Emma Thompson in Love Actually:
“Listen. It was always going to be a totally sh** time. Just be patient.”
Even though patience is wearing thin, we have to remember that our time here is limited. Even 90 years is limited in the grand scheme of things.
So let’s not have a totally sh** time.
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