By: Mohammad Younus Bhat
It had been another long night of endless scrolling—social media feeds filled with achievements, opinions, and moments that made life seem so much bigger and brighter for everyone else. The reels never stopped, and neither did the nagging, feeling of falling behind. Life, friendships, ambitions—all felt like a blur, drowned out by the noise of a digital world that demanded attention but gave little in return.
Exhausted, Younus M Bhat drifted into a deep sleep, seeking an escape from the chaos within. But this was no ordinary dream. He found himself by the bank of a serene river, the air thick with the scent of earth after rain, and the gentle murmur of water weaving through the silence. Sitting there, cross-legged on a rock, was a figure he had idolized since childhood—Albert Einstein himself, sipping a steaming cup of Nun Chai, the traditional Kashmiri salted tea known to awaken the sharpest of minds.
Einstein’s eyes twinkled with curiosity as he gestured for Younus to join him. “Sit, my friend. Let’s talk,” he said, taking another slow sip. “Your mind seems burdened.”
Younus hesitated but then sat down, cradling a warm cup in his hands. The worries of modern life—the pressure to succeed, the fear of missing out, the struggle to stay present—had been swirling inside for too long. And now, here was a chance to ask the questions that had been eating away at him.
Younus: Einstein, I feel overwhelmed. There’s pressure to succeed, to always be online, and to keep up with everyone else’s lives. How do I escape this cycle?
Einstein: Ah, my friend, modern life is like a river with a strong current—it pulls you in, whether you want to or not. But you must learn to swim at your own pace. Ask yourself:
- Am I living for others’ approval or for my own growth?
- Do I truly enjoy what I am doing, or am I just afraid of being left behind?
- Am I spending time on things that nourish me or just drain me?
Awareness is the first step. The more conscious you are of these influences, the easier it becomes to detach from them.
Younus: Social media makes me feel like I’m always missing out. Everyone seems happier, more successful, and ahead of me. How do I deal with this?
Einstein: The world you see on your screen is not the real world. It is an illusion—fragments of people’s lives curated to look perfect. Remember:
- Social media is a highlight reel, not a full story.
- True success is not about comparison but about personal fulfilment.
- If you must compare, compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to someone else’s filtered life.
Practice gratitude. When you focus on what you have, rather than what you lack, FOMO loses its power over you.
Younus: I feel anxious all the time. There’s so much news, so much negativity. I don’t know how to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed.
Einstein: Ah, the burden of too much information! A mind that takes in everything is like a room filled with clutter—there is no space to think. Try this:
- Set limits on how much news you consume each day.
- Choose quality over quantity—follow reliable sources, not endless streams of speculation.
- Balance it with uplifting and constructive content.
Knowledge should empower, not paralyze. Consume wisely.
Younus: Social media validation affects me more than I want to admit. I find myself craving likes and approval. How do I overcome this?
Einstein: Because humans crave connection, it is natural to seek affirmation. But you must remember:
- Digital approval is fleeting; self-worth is built from within.
- Engage meaningfully instead of seeking validation.
- Detox from social media regularly to reconnect with reality.
The people who truly matter will not measure you by likes or shares, but by the depth of your character.
Younus: My physical health is suffering. I sleep late, I sit for hours, and I eat without thinking. It’s affecting my energy and focus. What should I do?
Einstein: The body and mind are not separate; one nourishes the other. You must care for both:
- Prioritize sleep—it is the foundation of cognitive function.
- Move your body—not for appearance, but for strength and mental clarity.
- Eat to fuel your mind, not just to satisfy cravings.
A tired body leads to a tired mind. Treat your vessel with respect.
Younus: How do I balance ambition and inner peace? I want to achieve big things but don’t want to burn out.
Einstein: Ambition is a fire—it can warm you or consume you. The key is balance:
- Set clear goals, but do not attach your self-worth to them.
- Allow yourself moments of rest and reflection.
- Success is not just in reaching the top but in enjoying the journey.
A fulfilled life is one where passion and peace walk hand in hand.
Younus: What about relationships? In a world full of distractions, how do we build meaningful connections?
Einstein: Connection requires presence. Ask yourself:
- Do I truly listen, or just wait to speak?
- Am I investing time in those who uplift me?
- Do I nurture relationships beyond the digital space?
Meaningful relationships are built in shared moments, not through constant online interactions.
Audit Your Current Social Media Consumption
The first step to cleaning your thoughts is to assess what you’re currently consuming. Ask yourself:
- Does this content inspire me or drain me?
- Does it align with my values and goals?
- Am I spending too much time scrolling mindlessly?
Take a week to observe your habits. Unfollow or mute accounts that spread negativity, promote unrealistic standards, or trigger feelings of envy, anxiety, or inadequacy.
Follow Accounts That Inspire and Educate
Curate your feed to include content that uplifts and educates you. Here is how:
- Facebook: Follow pages that share motivational quotes, personal development tips, or educational content.
- Instagram: Follow accounts that promote positivity, mindfulness, and creativity. Avoid influencers who focus solely on materialism or perfection.
- Twitter: Follow thought leaders, authors, and professionals in fields you’re passionate about. Engage in meaningful conversations.
- YouTube: Subscribe to channels that offer tutorials, self-improvement advice, or documentaries that expand your knowledge.
- TikTok: Follow creators who share uplifting stories, life hacks, or skills you want to learn.
- Snapchat: Use it to connect with friends who share your values and goals, rather than consuming fleeting, meaningless content.
Younus: That’s a great thing. Now, If you had one piece of advice for living a balanced life, what would it be?
Einstein: Live with intention. Ask yourself daily:
- Am I consuming or creating?
- Am I reacting or responding?
- Am I living authentically or just conforming?
Every choice you make builds the life you live. Choose wisely.
Younus sat in silence, staring at the ripples in the river, absorbing the wisdom of the conversation. As the last sip of Nun Chai warmed his throat, he felt a shift—a clarity he hadn’t known in a long time.
The wind carried Einstein’s voice one last time. “Remember, young one, peace is not found in escaping the world, but in mastering your place within it.”
And with that, the dream faded, leaving behind not just words, but a path forward.
Note: This conversation between Younus M Bhat and Einstein was fictional, created to make learning engaging and relatable. The challenges discussed are real, and the solutions timeless. May this dialogue inspire you to reclaim control over your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The writer is a Ph.D. Student, CSIR-NET, DST-INSPIRE fellow & Gold Medalist, School of Physical, Chemical & Applied Sciences (SPCAS), Pondicherry University.
