Anxiety is anxiety, uncertainty about something. What worries people in Russia?
Of course, each of us has thousands of questions and problems in our heads, but there are experiences that unite only a certain group of people. For example, united under the tricolor Russian flag. What worries us as a society living on the vast Russian territory? What are we afraid of, what are we worried about on a global social scale?
Levada Center survey on “what problems of our society do you consider the most pressing” , conducted at the end of February 2014 (a representative all-Russian sample of the urban and rural population among 1603 people aged 18 years and older in 130 settlements in 45 regions of the country), showed that the most pressing problems for Russians are rising prices (69% of respondents considered the problem the most important), poverty, impoverishment of the majority of the population (51%), rising unemployment and corruption, bribery.
“In general, in addition to the main problems that concern almost all socio-demographic groups, young people (18-24 years old) are worried about the problem of drug addiction (21%), the elderly population is worried about the inaccessibility of medicine (25%) and the crisis of morality (26%). Muscovites are more likely than others to be concerned about issues related to visitors and migrants (23%), the rise in crime (14%) and the rise in nationalism (10%).”
The crisis of morality, culture, morality worries the same percentage of respondents in 2014 as in 2006. Environmental degradation was not in first place among the most worrying topics for Russians, and compared to 2006, the percentage of those who voted for this the problem decreased from 20 to 16. Those who were worried about the inaccessibility and payment of education became 11% less: 28% in 2006 and 17% in 2014. Differentiation by type of poor and rich in 2014 worries slightly fewer respondents than in 2006: 32 and 27, respectively. Russians are least concerned about the increase in the incidence of AIDS, conflicts between various branches of government at various levels, restrictions on civil rights, democratic freedoms, delays in the payment of wages, benefits, and pensions.
According to a survey by VTsIOM, the leading social concerns of Russians are in first place, as well as a survey by the Levada Center: inflation (59%), then problems of housing and communal services (54%), standard of living (45%), and the situation in healthcare (40%). %), corruption and bureaucracy (44%), drug addiction (42%). Housing and communal services and inflation are almost identical issues of concern to Russians; closer to winter, for example, housing and communal services problems manifest themselves more acutely than fears about rising prices, and in the spring (or depending on crisis trends) the problem of inflation becomes more pronounced.
Depending on the month the survey was conducted, first place comes either from worries related to the housing and communal services sector, or from rising prices.
“It is typical that among the most pressing problems is the situation in healthcare. For 40% of Russians, this area causes serious concern. It is difficult to get to specialists, paid medicine is being increasingly introduced under various pretexts, effective drugs and high-quality treatment are becoming inaccessible to many. Over the past eight years, the relevance and severity of problems in healthcare have grown significantly: in 2006, this worried 27% of residents, today - one and a half times more. It is sad that over the past five years the situation here, judging by surveys, has remained virtually unchanged. But more and more money is being spent in this area. How effective are these public investments?”
(from the news)
The level of medicine worries citizens, despite many innovations, such as the ability to make an appointment online (after all, one of the main complaints is endless queues), and many new methods of research, diagnostics, and searching for doctors via the Internet. Paid medicine is developing, but mainly in the direction of customer service, because doctors in private clinics often work the same as in the clinic on the morning shift.
The fact that the most “exciting” issues in the minds of Russians turned out to be the spheres of housing and communal services, living standards and inflation is very significant, as some psychologists and sociologists assure, from the picture about the pressing problems of society one can judge not only the satisfaction or dissatisfaction of citizens with the quality of life, but also Russians’ holistic view of the country, their faith or disbelief in it. “The housing issue” is close, warm, dear, how to think, worry about great goals when the pipe in the corridor is leaking or benefits for paying for services to pensioners have been canceled - for example? Russians spend most of their lives (many of them) at home, so there is nothing strange in the excitement over housing and communal services.
If we add to all the hardships of life worries about whether the pension, benefits, etc. will be increased or not, then we can conclude that there is a category of people who pay for services from their “last pocket”, and any oversights, shortcomings in housing -the domestic sphere, the elimination of which depends on housing and communal services, is perceived by this category doubly more negatively than by people with greater financial capabilities. In general, what is the main wish among people for changes in the work of this area: that more benefits be given, in larger percentages and to as large a category of citizens as possible (the key word is “more” - more benefits); so that the batteries are turned on on time (with sufficient power) and turned off on time; so that repairs are carried out efficiently and accidents are eliminated promptly; so that the entrances are put in order not at the expense of the residents; to promptly relocate people from dilapidated housing to new luxury apartments, etc. The topics “How to understand housing and communal services and not overpay”, “How to skilfully save on housing and communal services” are becoming very popular for those saving the ruble.
Concerns about the standard of living and rising prices for goods and services are also understandable, especially in light of recent unstable events in the country, the dollar and euro are rising, and the import of many imported goods is prohibited. This soil is very favorable for rising prices for scarce, specific and other products, goods, and equipment. In addition, according to the opinions of financiers, 2014 promised to be a crisis year, but, it should be noted, the country has been waiting for difficult changes for a long time and plans to be difficult financially and politically almost every year. Inflation in 2013 was 5-6%; in 2014, its level, according to the most daring forecasts of analysts, should be off the charts beyond 10%, but most adhere to the position that inflation will not exceed 6%. Also, according to forecasts, the unemployment rate will rise to 6% by the end of 2014.
According to Rosstat, at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013, a comprehensive observation of the living conditions of the population showed that Russians are most concerned about the condition of roads, road safety - 60.3%, the spread of alcoholism - 46.6%, poor organization of the activities of housing and communal services. Also: “Russians are not satisfied with the large distance of facilities where they can play sports (30.3%), the distribution of drugs (24.9%), the inaccessibility of government services in the field of medical care (23.3%) and vandalism (22.1%).”
Are the most “popular unrest” connected with some special state of the country or Russians? Perhaps, on the eve of a crisis or in anticipation of negativity, people are more inclined to worry about whether they will be warm in the winter, whether they will be able to buy their favorite delicacies with a small pension, how they will live - in the end, whether they will find themselves without work and for poverty line? Because no matter what we say, you always want to eat and be warm and at peace.
And here is the answer. This has always worried Russians.
According to a survey conducted by FOM (photo below), among the leaders of the problems that concern our compatriots are the same areas of housing and communal services, inflation, low living standards, etc.:
In fact, the whole “everyday life” is quite noticeable and difficult for many. It’s okay when the batteries don’t heat up yet, but if you add to this the rise in prices for your favorite goods, the lack of a salary increase, or the prospect of an unemployed person, a long line at the clinic to see a doctor to whom you want to complain about all the problems, the picture appears by no means optimistic. Here, as they say, it will knock anyone down, not one thing, but another. Losing a job exacerbates the perception of the quality of healthcare services, etc. However, if we face the truth, no diagnoses can be made to society based on the importance of certain “unrest” for it. After all, it both worried about the same problems and worries about similar ones, but in other areas it manifests itself differently. There were fewer patriots - there were more: everyone still complains about the work of housing and communal services; pensions were small - pensions were increased - still, the majority of pensioners care about stabilizing prices; Russia was on the list of middle-income countries and moved to the list of high-income countries - we still worry about becoming poor.
Regarding the topic of Western sanctions, according to a survey by the Levada Center, more than half of Russians do not care about these bans.
“About two-thirds of those surveyed – 61% – said they were not concerned about political and economic measures against Russia.
And only a third of respondents – 36% – admitted that they were worried about this. As experts note, anxiety over sanctions has clearly subsided in recent months. Indeed, back in early March, when the EU countries and the USA introduced the first bans, half of the country’s citizens expressed concern about the situation – 53%. Just a month later, anxiety levels dropped by 11 percent. And this trend continues"
64% of Russians closely follow events in Ukraine.
Video “Nothing worries Russians more than Ukraine and Crimea: results of the President’s Direct Line”:
Individual citizens of the country are concerned about philosophical, political, moral and other issues. For example:
"1. That someone is controlling us
- The fact that someone is smarter, richer, more successful
That there is no certainty in tomorrow"
(comment from email)
“The future of children, parents, where to live, lack of personal life, other people’s opinions, the meaning of life, how to get rid of fears, depression, whether to give birth or not, lack of ideas in rock music, the question of reincarnation. Worried about the weather, rain, dirt"
(answers to the question “What worries you?” from the women’s forum)
Some are concerned about the restoration of the Russian population, that is, its multiplication, the struggle for survival and the right to vote. The future of Russia. The growth of the euro and dollar and the instability of the political situation.
A fairly large percentage of Russians are concerned about the situation in Ukraine, when the war will end and absolute peace will come.
Some people are indignant that the world is not interested in spiritual problems, no one is even seriously worried about the environmental situation, about radioactive radiation, radiation from cell phones, about the fact that the cultural and moral level is impoverished, everyone stubbornly wants improved financial accounts and warm radiators. Why not start with yourself? Try to worry only about the deterioration of the demographic situation and restore it, to care for the reincarnation of spiritual values... Not everyone will succeed in this. The real problems are more pressing. Another point is that when a person is full and safe, one tends to look for cultural nourishment, while another tends to get hung up on material things.
Our compatriots are also actively concerned about the topic of earning money and entertainment on the Internet, details of diets, weight loss techniques, and many, many other things that also concern the population of the entire globe. In general, very different and unusual things worry Russians (especially on the Internet).
According to one version, Muscovites are concerned about traffic jams and housing and communal services problems; according to another, the priority is the growth of visitors, emigrants, and the current state of their yards.
According to the Romir sociological center, 79% of Muscovites consider the construction of new roads to be the most important point for the well-being of the city.
“Residents of the capital consider transport problems to be the most serious. At the same time, citizens rate the actions of the Moscow government in developing the metro and building roads quite highly. The first question that sociologists asked citizens concerned, however, not only transport. Muscovites were asked what problems in the city concern them most. The palm was shared between traffic jams and the increase in utility bills - 37% each. The cost of living in the city lagged behind a little - 36%. The environmental situation, which had occupied the top positions for many years, has moved to the middle of the table (16%).”
What worries you?
" A very important topic, VERY! Because it’s really difficult to communicate with some people - you talk for half an hour, and then you have to recover for half a day. They suck energy - and do it very effectively. The 7 techniques described below really work. The main thing is to remember them and observe them. And don't let yourself be offended ;)
The people who are the hardest to love are the ones who need love the most. ~ Peaceful Warrior (This is a book. And a film based on the book. Interesting)
Have you ever had to deal with negative people? If yes, then you know that it can be terribly difficult.
I remember a former colleague of mine who was just like that. During our conversations, she endlessly complained about her colleagues, about work and about life. At the same time, she spoke very cynically about people in general, constantly doubting their intentions. It was no pleasure to talk to her. At all.
After our first conversation, I felt completely exhausted. Although we only talked for 20-30 minutes, I had neither the mood nor the strength to do anything else. It felt like someone had sucked the life out of me, and it took about three hours for the effect to wear off.
When we talked later, the same thing happened. She was so pessimistic that her negative energy seemed to rub off on me after the conversation, and even left a bad taste in my mouth. And you know, this really bothered me. I would gladly refuse to communicate with her if I could.
Then one day I decided that I needed to develop an action plan on how to deal with negative people. After all, she is not the only such person I will meet in my life. I thought, “For every negative person I meet now, there will be thousands of people I may meet one day. If I learn to cope with her, I can cope with everyone else.”
With this in mind, I brainstormed the best way to deal with negative people.
Eventually, I figured out a few key techniques to do this effectively. They can be very helpful in establishing good relationships with such people. And although I deal with positive people more often now, these steps come to the rescue when I sometimes encounter negative people.
If you have such a negative person in your life right now, you don't have to suffer from them. You are not alone in your problem - I have encountered negative people often and have learned to cope with them. Let them try to bring you down - you can choose how to react and what to do.
So, 7 techniques that will help you deal with negative people.
Technique 1. Don’t let yourself be drawn into negativity
One thing I've noticed is that negative people tend to focus on the bad things and ignore the good things. They exaggerate the problems they face, making their situation seem much worse than it really is.
The first time you interact with a negative person, listen carefully and offer help if necessary. Provide support - let him (she) know that he is not alone. However, make a note somewhere. If a person continues to complain about the same problem even after several discussions, this is a sign that he needs to free himself.
First, try changing the subject. If he/she goes into a negative tailspin, allow him/her to continue, but don't get caught up in the negativity. Give simple answers like “Yes, I see,” or “Yeah.” When he or she responds positively, respond affirmatively and enthusiastically. If you do this often enough, he or she will soon understand what is going on and become more positive in their interactions.
Trick #2: Use Groups
Dealing with a negative person can be very tiring. When I had a conversation with my negative colleague, I would be completely exhausted for several hours, although the conversation itself lasted only 20-30 minutes. This happened because I took on all her negativity.
To solve this problem, have someone else with you when you talk to a negative person. In fact, the more people the better. Then the negative energy will be shared between you and other people, and you will not have to bear its burden alone.
An added benefit of having someone else around is that other people help bring out different sides of your personality. When others are around, they can help bring out the other, positive side of a negative person. I've experienced this before and it helped me see a "negative" personality in a more positive light.
Technique #3: Objectify comments
Negative people can be quite critical at times. They periodically make comments that can really hurt, especially when directed at you.
For example, I had a friend who was very tactless. She liked to make various disparaging and critical comments. At first I was worried about her words, wondering why she was so critical every time she spoke. I also thought maybe there was something wrong with me—maybe I wasn’t good enough. However, when I observed how she interacted with our mutual friends, I realized that she behaved the same way with them. Her comments were not personal attacks - they were her normal behavior.
Realize that a negative person usually doesn't want to hurt you—he or she is simply trapped in their own negativity. Learn to deal with negative comments. Objectify them. Instead of taking his/her words personally, consider them as another point of view. Sift through the chaff and see if you can benefit or learn something from what is said.
Trick #4: Switch to more pleasant topics
Some negative people get turned on by certain topics. For example, one friend turns into a “victim of circumstances” whenever work comes up. No matter what I say, he will continue to complain about his job, which is terrible, and will not be able to stop.
If a person is deeply rooted in his negativity, in his problems, the solution may be to change the topic. Start a new topic to lighten the mood. Simple things - a movie, daily events, mutual friends, hobbies, happy news - can make a conversation much easier. Support him in areas about which the person feels positive emotions.
Trick #5: Choose Who You Spend Your Time With Carefully
As Jim Rohn put it, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” This quote means that who you spend time with has a huge impact on the kind of person you become.
I think this is very true. Think about the time you spend with negative people - do you feel good or bad afterwards? It's the same with positive people. – How do you feel after spending time with them?
Whenever I spend time with negative people, I feel heavy and have a bad aftertaste. When I meet positive people, I feel a surge of optimism and energy. This effect remains after communication. By spending more time with negative people, you gradually become negative too. It may be temporary at first, but over time the effect will begin to take root in you.
If you feel that certain people in your life are negative, become aware of how much time you spend with them. I recommend limiting the duration - it may help. For example, if they want to hang out with you but you don't like their company, learn to say no. If it's a meeting or phone call, set a limit on how long it will last. Stick to the topic of discussion and don't let it last longer than a certain amount of time.
Hack #6: Identify areas where you can make positive changes.
Negative people are negative because they lack love, positivity and warmth. Often they behave in such a way as to create a barrier that will protect them from the world.
One of the best ways to help them is to bring positivity into their lives. Think about what is bothering the person right now and think about how you can help him/her. This doesn't have to be anything too complicated, and you definitely shouldn't do it if you don't want to. The key is to be sincere in your desire to help, and show him/her a different perspective on life.
Some time ago, I had a friend who didn't like her job. She didn't like the environment and the corporate culture. There was a vacancy at my (now former) workplace, so I offered her the opportunity. She finally got the job and has been doing it for 3 years now and doing it great.
Today she leads a much happier, active and optimistic life. She's definitely more positive than she was a few years ago. While I wouldn't bet on her being completely happy with her career just yet, I do feel satisfied that I helped a little at the right time. Besides, there is always something you can do to help someone else - look around and help in any way you can. A small action on your part can lead to big changes in your relationship.
Technique No. 7. Stop communicating with them
If all else fails, limit contact with these people or even completely remove them from your life.
Instead of spending your time with negative people, focus on positive people. In the past, I spent a lot of time with negative people, trying to help them. This took a lot of my energy and was often completely useless. I reconsidered my methods. Now I prefer to work with positive friends and business partners. It turned out to be both more pleasant and useful.
Remember that you are building your life and it is up to you to decide what you want it to be. If negative people make you feel bad, work on it using the 7 steps outlined. By taking the right steps, you can make a significant difference in your relationship.
We are all human and rely on each other to survive. In fact, in hunter-gatherer cultures, leaving the tribe means death. So it's no surprise that we worry about what other people think of us!
But if you allow this to affect you, you will limit your creativity, alienate people who lift you up in some way, squander your opportunities for financial freedom and, in the end, you will simply not be able to courageously follow your true goal.
Fearing what others think not only limits your potential, it even makes you sick. Fear will not only make you lonely, broken, and prevent you from realizing your calling, it will also increase your risk of dangerous cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, chronic pain, diabetes, and even colds.
So how can you tell if you're too afraid of what other people think of you? Here are some significant warnings. Listen to them.
You can't tell the truth
How often do you stay silent because you're afraid that if you speak up, you'll jeopardize your job, lose your lover, alienate your friend, or be rejected by your parents? How many times have you swallowed your truth (and along with it your honesty, self-respect and openness)?
You are not asked to voice all your thoughts. But every time you fail to express what is meaningful to you, what you believe is right and necessary, you activate a stress response that weakens your body's natural self-healing mechanisms and puts yourself at risk. Plus, you upset your peace of mind. And if you do not learn to follow the cries of your soul, to say what you consider necessary in each specific situation, the Universe can deal you a crushing blow in the form of disastrous consequences.
You become a social chameleon
Do you know those people who change their mood (and appearance, and their favorite band, and even political party) every time they get into a new social circle? Even people with self-esteem become almost the same if they are surrounded by others who are not like them.
If you feel like you are trying to fit in socially, then you are probably afraid that other people will not like you, because you are not at all like that, you do not have common interests. And sometimes you're right. The whole truth is that you will not feel comfortable in any environment with your beliefs and views. But it's worth taking the risk, because it's only when you take risks and behave accordingly that you'll truly find your company.
You're lying
If you believe that your truth is not welcome, then you will have a tendency to distort the truth, hide the truth or hide the truth. It doesn't matter at all whether you are a man or a woman, but it is especially common among men who hide the truth from a woman because they are afraid that if they tell her everything, she will run away or reject her. He is sure that if he dares to tell the truth about what he feels or what he thinks, it will disgrace him.
Of course, women are often guilty of lying, and men are often guilty of being ashamed of their truth. It often happens that ladies blame their gentlemen for dishonesty. Excuse me, but how can they be honest if shame or a reprimand awaits them after this? This is a complete failure. It is better for us not to be afraid of the truth, but to find the courage to love and respect each other.
You apologize for everything you like
For example, you say: “Yes, I listen to bands from the 1980s, although that may be stupid.” And after this phrase you blush, feel ashamed, assume that the other person will judge you and laugh at you. Then you start pretending, saying it was a joke, apologizing, agreeing with the opinions of others.
And it happens that a person, for example, talks about his admiration for Lady Gaga. You immediately support him, admire him with him, although in fact you cannot stand her. It's just fear. The same situation can be seen in one of the scenes with Julia Roberts in the movie "Runaway Bride", where she does not know if she likes eggs for breakfast because she is copying the man she is dating. You forget that those who truly love you need you, not some cheap copy.
You avoid social situations
If you're an introvert, you'll realize that not everyone enjoys nightlife. But introverts still crave company. But if they feel afraid, they will immediately leave even the most interesting company. But even the most ardent extroverts avoid social situations because they worry beyond measure about what others will think.
You can’t be afraid to be yourself, and wait for some kind of rejection all the time. It is necessary to overcome the fear of what others will think of you; it is important to always remain a full-fledged person.
You hide your quirks
Do you love hamburgers and pizza, do you like to overeat this junk food at night? Do you know all the best recipes for preparing these dishes and all the technology? But here's the problem - you don't understand fashion, as is customary in society today. If you are too afraid of what others will think, you will be forced to follow the crowd. This activates stress reactions that push your body towards illness. And by doing this, you are hiding your true interests, although perhaps there is another hamburger fan in your circle with whom you would find a common language.
You constantly wonder what the other person is thinking
You are very puzzled because you are constantly trying to read other people's thoughts to make sure who to be and what to say in a given situation. And you are not actually present at this moment during the conversation with your mind. And, of course, you don’t pay attention to your beautiful, unique soul, which rewards you with thoughts and feelings.
When you're dealing with your fear of what everyone else is thinking, try to stay in the present tense, try to be free from fear.
You become a perfectionist
The desire for perfection is a property of the soul, the desire to perform every task flawlessly. But perfectionism comes from the fear of being rejected, the fear of failure.
You hide your inner light
Think about the times when you had pleasant moments in your life. You want to shout it from the rooftops! But you don't. Because you're afraid it will sound like you're bragging. Or you worry that someone else will judge you. Or that you'll make someone else jealous. Thus, you are losing ground. But when you do this, you deprive everyone of the opportunity to see your inner light, your passion, your thoughts. Imagine how much more interesting and fulfilling life could be!
You are hiding behind a mask
You fragment your personality. When you wear a mask, you act in one direction. You do things differently when you work with your business colleagues. You behave very differently at church, at a dance club, and at a yoga class. If you free yourself from the fear of what others think, you will have the courage to answer the main question: who are you really?
Then your whole life will become a love letter to this true self. You are too beautiful, smart and unique to hide behind a faceless mask that deprives you of your individuality. So, once you stop caring about what everyone else thinks, you can fully “step into” your true, authentic self.