Although slavery may be a concept of the past, little do we know that our lifestyle and habits are slowly enslaving us into a future of possible unhappiness and general dissatisfaction. To add to this, the ever growing power that technology has over us is alarming, which is why we should start the new year by reflecting on the probable things in our lives that hold us back, or keep us from achieving happiness and peace of mind.
 

  1. Being a slave to your smartphone

 
This could be the most obvious form of modern slavery for many reasons. Yes, there are countless apps out there that are helpful for day to day needs like Uber, Zomato and fitness apps, but everything should be taken in moderation. You have to realize that not much will change on Instagram 5 minutes after you scrolled through it. Don’t get me wrong, technology has given us better communication avenues, business opportunities and entertainment hubs, yet in spite of that, we find ourselves conforming to the latest trends and jumping onto the newest gadget on the market. This 2018, try to grow less dependent on your phone to navigate you every step of your day.
 

  1. Being a slave to your paycheck

 
If you think that this year will just be another cycle of waking up, going to work, then going back home, then you have to take matters into your own hands. The only thing that could be stoppping you from quitting your job and pursuinug your dreams is your paycheck. It offers stability that you may not have if you seek new opportunities, but this sticky situation also causes you to be unhappy. If you absolutely cannot find a job that you enjoy going to everyday, save as much as you can from that paycheck. In the future, you should have enough to put up a small business, or have a cushion when you are in the process of looking for a new job.
 

  1. Being a slave to your emotions

 
Being an emotional person has its pros and cons, but it should not control how you act and feel 100% of the time. A way out of this is to first know what triggers you emotionally. Is it a person or location? Could an officemate be potentially toxic for your mental health? By knowing these, you can try to avoid these senstive topics. Also, validate your emotions – analyze what has caused this unusual mood, and determine whether it is worth fussing over. Lastly, mantras may seem like a silly thing, but they have been proven effective in maintaining emotional stability. Take the time to think of something that you can carry with you for the rest of the year.
 
In the end, you only feel like you are a slave because you allow the situation to be as so. You are in full control of your life, and hopefull 2018 will be the year you really get to do what makes you happy.