According to the nature of the world, there are both good and bad aspects of human society. Every person, at some point in their life, is likely to encounter something unpleasant. In such moments, instead of holding on to hope for the future, people often dwell more on the painful experiences of the past. This is what we call “pessimism”. Rejecting hope and filling both the body and mind with negativity — inside and out — can lead a person to become emotionally and socially disconnected.

Pessimism is not something that must be completely eradicated. Sometimes, it can simply be a perspective. However, that view should not be tightly held onto and allowed to cloud our vision. This article presents why that is something worth keeping in mind.

One of the reasons this happened is that those who uphold an extremist pessimism have had to go through life bitterly. Since their childhood, they may suffer from the impacts of too much bullying, poverty, pressure, coercion, scolding, severe punishment, more than faults, and the pessimism attitude of seniors in society.

Moreover, those holding on to pessimism intentionally organize followers with the dissemination of their pessimism. While talking about some topics based on pessimism, they support their pessimistic discussions with each other and draw conclusions based on pessimism. Hence, their talking points and critical thinking cannot break through the pessimism. Consequently, they cannot see or consider anything beyond pessimism.

What is Pessimism?

Pessimism is the belief that nothing good can be expected in the future and that everything happening now is likely to result in negative outcomes. The content we often see in newspapers, social media, and on TV tends to reinforce this pessimistic outlook. Whether it’s the economy, politics, or physical or mental health, people tend to focus only on the negative aspects.

Pessimism can harm a person’s mindset and emotions. When people stop expecting anything positive from the future, they are more likely to experience discouragement, a decline in morale, and a growing sense of disconnect from the world around them.

Why Should We Avoid Holding onto Pessimism?

1. It damages mental health

Constantly embracing a pessimistic mindset can lead to depression and anxiety. When a person is repeatedly overwhelmed by negative thoughts and hopelessness, it becomes hard to see any light in their life, leaving them feeling emotionally exhausted and stuck.

2. Loss of opportunities

When hope for good things fades, the drive to create a better future diminishes. The mindset of “It’s impossible” can destroy even the possibilities that are achievable, simply through negative thinking.

3. Breakdown of Social Relationships

People tend to avoid those who are constantly dissatisfied, distrustful, and lack hope for the future. This creates distance and tension in relationships, leading to social isolation and weakened connections.

Sometimes, what does pessimism help with?

Actually, it’s not always a bad thing. In some situations, it simply acts as a step up — a kind of expectation that prompts us to be more cautious about the future.

• It helps ensure safety and better management by encouraging risk awareness.

• It can lead to thoughts that value happiness more deeply.

• Being able to work steadily without expectations can be beneficial from a certain perspective.

However, these views are only useful occasionally and are not suitable to hold on to all the time.

What Should You Do?

1.Building a New Perspective

It needs to gradually create a more positive mindset. Even without turning it into a mere hope, having the awareness that “everything can work out” can help you grow step by step.

2.Asking Questions

Questions like “Is my thinking accurate?” or “Are there other perspectives I haven’t considered yet?” can open the door to shifting your viewpoint.

3.Noticing the Good Things

It is necessary to record one thoughtful or small but meaningful moment from your daily life that can lift your spirit.

4.Cultivating Curiosity for Mental Growth

Emphasis must be placed on engaging yourself in reading, learning, or exploring hobbies to help rein in negative thinking.

Everybody has a chance to hold up both optimism and pessimism as they like. However, if they do everything based on pessimism, they can see everything with negative results. It may be right or wrong, but a large percentage of results will be wrong. Otherwise, they can see everything with an optimistic essence. If so, they can see most of the events which happen in society with the essence of optimism. In this regard, those who see everything in a negative sense will first suffer from the bad impacts of their thoughts. Those holding up the optimism will have the chance to enjoy peace of mind.

With regard to pessimism, I have a true story. While serving duties at a governmental department, a friend of mine worked together with me in the same workplace. But he joined such a workplace after me. So, he was a junior in my section automatically. He could show off his outstanding skill at work due to his higher concentration on the functions of the workplace. Despite the duties of a junior, he was more skilful than me as well as other seniors. In our workplace, we did not discriminate between the posts of junior and senior, although these were not set by the departmental rules.

However, my friend forgot the provisions related to the hierarchical rules of the department. All of us worked at night, so we all raised relations with one another, setting aside the strict departmental rules. At that time, as he was skilful in working, he had to be assigned to a higher post. He deserved to secure the senior post. Albeit not a personal attack on me, I knew he was never satisfied with the criteria for junior and senior posts. As such, he always scolded higher seniors and searched for faults in their work. He never talked about optimistic topics and did not praise others for their work results.

Indeed, I was very sorrowful to know the root causes of sparking his attitude. Since his childhood, he had lived in a staff quarter of an organization where his father served duties. He had known that some officers assigned his father heavily. If his father failed to accomplish the assignments, his father was scolded by those officers. My friend had bitterly seen such occurrences since his childhood. Such occurrences became scars on his soul.  Moreover, their family was very poor due to the low income of his father. Consequently, my friend sought the best outlet for the mind to take a dependent environment. Furthermore, he was never satisfied with the scolding of those officers and took revenge on them.

When he became an adult, he did not meet with those officers, but his revenge did not disappear from his mind. Therefore, he sought a third-party person on whom he would take his revenge. When he joined the workplace, he searched for prey to utilize his trauma.  However, the organizational setup of relevant organizations did not allow bullying someone as prey. As such, he unintentionally disseminated his pessimism to others in the workplace.

First, his pessimism was useful in analyzing some events. His assessments of some occurrences were right, but these ideologies were based on pessimism. However, he forgot all occurrences and all things can be reviewed with two or more perspectives. The truth can be sought in the right things or in the wrong things, or in both right and wrong things. Except for four universal truths discoursed by the Lord Buddha, even truths identified by society can change depending on the situation and time.

Gradually, my friend could not accept everything as he assessed these with pessimism. So, his soul was very tired. In the worst situation, the heads of the department who had handled the organization did not trust my friend because his attitude was not usual in the society of coworkers. Those officials accepted that my friend was dangerous to the workplace due to holding up productivity in all work processes. It was a time of failure in my friend’s life. Officials of the organizations in successful eras did not count the successful work of my friends. Consequently, he lost all measures, including promotion of ranks in the workplace. His pessimism brought a great loss to his life. Finally, he left the workplace and waved to us, leaving a valuable lesson.

Uphold both optimism and pessimism in analyzing something
Practically, most people avoid relationships with pessimists, and they do not dare to seek suggestions and consultation from pessimists. This is because the idea of depending on pessimism may lead to failure in initiating any project. It is necessary to review any incidents based on both optimism and pessimism; too much pessimism can not only prevent the best solution but also prevent an acceptable answer. Generally, pessimists never have a good opinion of anyone. Everyone those pessimists see becomes prey to their gossip. As such, many people are in fear of occurrences for their dignity, so even if they unavoidably seek advice from a pessimist, they do not prefer the gossip of the pessimist about them.
Pessimism is a feeling that no one can be blamed for. Everyone can have perspectives that don’t align with hope. However, if you tightly cling to those negative views and willfully ignore other possibilities, it can cause serious harm throughout your life. An approach to address a problem with pessimism has the lowest percentage of securing success. It is because pessimists are never satisfied with everything and everybody. As they cannot keep a clear soul, they do not have a fine facial appearance. Hence, they cannot keep abreast of optimists in facial appearances. Consequently, they have rare times of happiness and pleasure as well as smiling. That’s why the message “Don’t hold on tightly to pessimism” is a reminder that everyone should take to heart.
I don’t emphasize that anyone holds up pessimism. However, everyone must hold up both optimism and pessimism. They have to analyze and assess everything, applying both optimism and pessimism to have the best result in all issues. Especially, everybody needs to consider that in approaching a problem, using just optimism cannot reveal the truth. Likewise, pessimism alone cannot be useful in analyzing a problem in a correct manner. Only when everybody approaches any problem with both optimism and pessimism will they have the most appropriate and correct solution. One thing is certain: those who hold on to a negative mindset will always be troubled, while the optimists will live with joy and happiness.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Why is cycling one of the best Exercises for every lifestyle? In a world where people are becoming more aware of the importance of maintaining physical and mental health, finding the right form of exercise is key. For many, the solution might be simpler – and more enjoyable – than they think: cycling.
Whether you’re cruising down a quiet neighbourhood road, commuting to work, joining a spin class at the gym, or pedalling at home on a stationary bike, cycling is a powerful and flexible form of exercise. Not only does it improve physical health, but it also supports mental well-being, offers practical lifestyle benefits, and even helps protect the environment.
Let’s explore why cycling continues to gain popularity around the world and why it might just be the perfect activity to incorporate into your life – no matter your age, schedule, or fitness level.
An Exercise That Moves Your Heart (Literally)
One of the most celebrated benefits of cycling is how it supports heart health. As an aerobic exercise, cycling increases your heart rate and improves blood circulation throughout your body. Studies have shown that regular cyclists tend to have lower blood pressure and resting heart rates compared to inactive people.
Research has also revealed that people who cycle regularly are at a significantly reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease or suffering a heart attack. That’s because cycling helps keep your heart strong and arteries clear, reducing strain on the cardiovascular system. Just a few sessions a week, even at a moderate pace, can dramatically improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Gentle on the Joints, Powerful in Impact
Unlike activities such as running, which place repeated stress on your joints, cycling is a low-impact activity. This makes it especially appealing for people with joint issues, older adults, or those recovering from injuries.
Cycling is commonly used in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. It promotes mobility, increases range of motion, and improves strength – all without putting your knees, hips, and ankles under heavy pressure.
A 2024 study found that people with osteoarthritis who incorporated cycling into their weekly routine experienced less knee pain than non-cyclists. This shows how effective and gentle cycling can be for long-term joint health.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight Made Easier
Weight management is a challenge for many, especially with busy schedules and sedentary lifestyles. Fortunately, cycling provides a fun, convenient way to help keep your weight in check. Regular cyclists often maintain a healthier body composition, which refers to the balance between fat, muscle, bone, and water in the body. Cycling burns calories, builds muscle, and boosts metabolism – all of which are essential for weight control.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Cycling is a great way to meet that recommendation. Whether you bike for 30 minutes five days a week or do three 50-minute sessions, you’ll be helping your body stay fit and active.
Want to lose weight? Increase your intensity by riding uphill, speeding up your pace, or extending your cycling sessions. These adjustments will boost your calorie burn and help you reach your goals faster.
Boost Your Mood, Beat the Blues
Exercise doesn’t just make your body stronger – it lifts your spirits, too. Physical activities like cycling release endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals that improve mood and reduce stress.
People who cycle regularly often report better sleep, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and an overall improved sense of well-being. Whether it’s the rhythmic motion of pedalling or the calming effect of fresh air and sunshine, biking can be a great mental escape.
Cycling outdoors adds another layer of benefits. Being in nature, enjoying the scenery, and soaking in sunlight can help fight seasonal mood disorders and brighten your day, even after just a short ride.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Through Pedal Power
Cycling can play a key role in preventing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This condition is often linked to poor lifestyle habits, including a lack of physical activity and unhealthy weight gain. By promoting weight control and improving insulin sensitivity, cycling helps your body better regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that people who bike to work or use cycling as a form of exercise have a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Making cycling a part of your daily or weekly routine could be one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term health.
More Than Exercise: A Lifestyle Choice with Real-World Benefits
Cycling isn’t just a workout – it’s also a practical and sustainable way to live. When used as a mode of transportation, biking helps you save money on gas, parking, and public transport. It also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and minimizes your carbon footprint. Each time you choose a bike over a car, you’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is a powerful way to combat climate change and improve air quality in your community. Cleaner air leads to better public health and fewer respiratory issues, especially for children and the elderly.
Cycling can also strengthen family bonds. Parents can encourage children to be more active by going on bike rides together. It’s a fun and healthy way to spend time as a family while developing good habits.
Stronger Muscles, Healthier Ageing
Cycling doesn’t just benefit your heart and lungs – it also strengthens muscles throughout your body, particularly in your legs, hips, and core. Each pedal stroke works your quadriceps, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. These muscle groups are essential for balance, walking, climbing stairs, and other daily activities.
As we age, maintaining muscle mass becomes increasingly important. Loss of muscle can lead to falls, injuries, and reduced independence. Cycling provides a low-impact, effective way to slow muscle loss and preserve strength, especially for older adults.
Indoor versus Outdoor: Which Ride Is Right for You?
One of the great things about cycling is that it can be done indoors or outdoors, each with its advantages.
Outdoor cycling is perfect for exploring new places, commuting, or getting on a longer endurance ride. It’s also a great social activity, whether you join a group ride or take a leisurely cruise with friends.
Indoor cycling, on the other hand, offers predictability and control. Whether you’re in a spin class or using a stationary bike at home, indoor cycling allows you to adjust intensity easily and stick to a consistent workout schedule, rain or shine.
For those with limited time or living in urban areas with traffic and safety concerns, indoor cycling may be a better option. Plus, many modern stationary bikes offer built-in workout programs, virtual classes, and tracking features to help keep you motivated.
Who Should Be Cautious About Cycling?
While cycling is safe for most people, there are a few exceptions. Individuals prone to falls or those with severe balance problems should avoid traditional outdoor biking. For these individuals, recumbent bikes are a great alternative. These bikes have a reclined seat and are lower to the ground, providing better stability and comfort. However, they can be more expensive and take up more space.
If you’re unsure whether cycling is right for you, talk to your healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are recovering from surgery.
How to Start and Stick With Cycling
Getting started is easier than you might think. All you need is a bike and a little motivation.
Start small: Begin with 10–15 minutes a day and gradually build up to longer rides.
Be consistent: Aim for 150 minutes per week. That’s just 30 minutes a day for five days.
Choose your style: Try different types of cycling – commuting, spin class, indoor biking, or scenic weekend rides.
Stay safe: Always wear a helmet, follow traffic rules, and use lights or reflectors if cycling outdoors at night.
If you’re cycling indoors, experiment with different virtual classes or programs to find what keeps you engaged. From high-energy spin sessions to scenic virtual rides, there’s something for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Just Keep Pedalling
Cycling is one of the most adaptable and rewarding exercises you can choose. It offers a long list of physical, mental, and lifestyle benefits – from reducing your risk of disease to saving money and improving the planet.
Whether you’re an athlete looking for a new challenge, a busy professional needing a flexible workout, or a senior aiming to stay active and mobile, cycling has something to offer you. So, grab a helmet, hop on a bike, and start pedalling your way to better health. The journey might just be your best ride yet.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar