Directed by Milad

Hey everyone! Thank you so much for being my followers on this channel. I have put so much effort to build it, but I believe now it’s a time to close it. Since I’ll be mostly focusing on my TikTok, I don’t wanna post the same thoughts and stuff here. This channel will stay for me just as a memory and inspiration, so it’s completely fine if you leave it. Don’t forget that I’m constantly posting and growing on my TT (I already got 400 followers and 23k likes), so follow me there☺️!

I finally created my TikTok! @lifebymilad I’ll be now very active there, but of course will not forget about you🥹. I hope to share a lot of things there and make content very actively. I would appreciate any of your support, especially likes, comments and subscriptions. Here is the link for the full video: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSktgRBG9/

FOMO - or how social media makes you think you’re a loser? I’m sure at least some of you have heard of the word FOMO, better known as Fear of Missing Out. It’s a phenomenon that refers to the anxiety or worry that you’re missing out on something important, exciting, interesting, or rewarding. It typically happens when you see other people doing things you’re not — but wish you were. Social media companies know about this very well. That’s why they want you to stay constantly connected — so you don’t “miss out.” But here’s the other thing social media is notoriously great at: triggering social comparison. As humans, we tend to compare ourselves to others. It’s almost unavoidable because it’s ingrained in us. From childhood, we learn by watching others. But social media takes it to an extreme level. Before it existed, people couldn’t compare themselves to millions of others at once. Now they can. You constantly see people your age — younger or older — “succeeding” in life. Running ten businesses at once, studying at top universities, driving hypercars, and bla bla bla. And sometimes you sit there thinking, Damn, I want that too… but I don’t have it. For some, it’s motivating. It lights a fire to get up and do shit. But for many, constant comparison leads to complete dissatisfaction and zero motivation, because you feel like you’re “behind” all the time. You might think that you don’t compare while in reality you do. Question: Okay, then what should I do if I still want to be on social media, but don’t want to constantly feel overwhelmed? Here’s what I’d say: Turn off your phone — at least when you’re out with friends. Don’t scroll, don’t text, just be THERE. Also, try to avoid scrolling when there’s no purpose (unless you’re an SMM manager or something). Personally, what I do from time to time: I delete most of my social media apps, reduce my screen time, and spend more time with myself — walking, reading, journaling, watching movies, and just recharging. This is my plan for almost entire June. Check out the photos, this is how I recharge & reconnect with nature. If you have an opportunity, try something like that also. This is challenging but rewarding (real dopamine). Btw, while I was in Turkmenistan I had a challenge of not using the phone for 10 days and it was honestly a great experience and my dopamine levels were reset. You can read results here. I hope this posts helps you somehow❤️And remember: you are not missing out - it’s social media makes you think that way. Sorry for the absence here, this sem was very stressful (not academically, but anyways). I hope to make more content.

The reality of being an international student and living alone in a foreign country Social media usually highlights the best parts of student life abroad: no parents around, total freedom to travel, spending money however you like, and so on. But the reality is a bit different. Yes, we enjoy those perks—but we also face real challenges. I’d be lying if I said everything is perfect, because it simply can’t be. As a man, I’m wired not to complain or admit when things go wrong, so I only confide in a handful of people (which, I think, is understandable). On the whole, things are going well: my studies are on track, my life feels balanced, and my physique is improving thanks to the gym and healthier eating. But living alone means tackling a constant stream of minor problems—one day it’s an annoying mosquito bite, the next it’s hunting down a reliable water-delivery service, then a random shoulder pain pops up, relationship drama, or accidentally ordering a taxi to the wrong place and wasting cash. Each issue on its own feels trivial, but together they build up anxiety, sadness, and sheer exhaustion. And you catch yourself thinking, “What the hell? I’m doing everything right, yet something goes wrong every single day.” The biggest problems of international students is that you’re basically on your own and there is no one to support you unless you go and ask for help. I agree that it helps a person to mature, but at the same time it’s challenging to deal with something every day. What keeps me going are my goals and the support of the people around me. Having the right circle is crucial—without it, I’m certain I would have given up. One more thing that helps is journalling. I do it almost daily to not keep thoughts in my head: it truly helps and I suggest everyone to try. It helps to make my mind clearer. I also never expected cultural differences to be such a hurdle. I end up hanging out mostly with other internationals or fellow Turkmens because I still struggle to connect with locals. Either they don’t speak English, aren’t on my intellectual wavelength (not bragging—just a fact; too many people’s only hobby is endless scrolling), or they don’t seem to want to include me in their “circle.” I’m still trying, so we’ll see how it goes—but for now, neither friendships nor relationships are clicking 😅. Also, I don’t know why but a lot of ppl here don’t say hi to you even if they clearly see you and know you. Sometimes they could ignore even if I say hi. I’m raised in a different culture and I still can’t accept it😵‍💫. To future students: set your expectations a bit lower on how flawless everything will be, and prepare for the real, everyday challenges. It will be tough, but with the right techniques and a solid support network, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive 💞.