Pets. They don’t understand capitalism. They just want to be your friend.

Find ways to enjoy life that don't involve spending money. Libraries, little free libraries, enjoying nature, writing, minimalism, meditation, stoicism. Be vigilant and resist spending money, see it as giving the finger to the corporate overlords. Make an effort to get off the hedonic treadmill.

Disassociation mostly.

Mostly by ignoring all the tankie instances on Lemmy.

We're in the bad place, the only way to not go insane or cry constantly in heartache is extensive use of compartmentalization. That is, you have to selectively and temporarily ignore certain things at times so that you can continue to function. Then later, make time to consider those things you had to set aside.

Just gotta wait for the weekend, just gotta make it through the week, just gotta make it to the weekend...

Using the very products of capitalism to escape (ie playing video games and mentally checking the fuck out)

What part of capitalism is exhausting you specifically?

Coffee

Combination of picturing what could be better and staring into the distance and slowly developing into a "hand of death clutching at your heart" panic attack

That and D&D

Most people self medicate.

Prioritize. What's important to you? Put that first.

Personally, I would LOVE to travel. I don't have that option because my wife works a gig where she can't get time off.

So the idea of taking a week and going to Hawaii or Vegas, or New Orleans? Not going to happen.

So I take the money I would spend on stuff like that and invest it locally in making our lives better.

Bought a house in 2021, got out from under $1,800/mo. rent. Traded it for a $2,000/mo. mortgage, but you know what? I looked up our old place... $2,300/mo. now. House across the street is a rental, $2,600/mo.

As time goes on, our mortgage is going to get cheaper and cheaper.

Owning a house means more projects. Some of the plumbing needed to be re-done, the electrical panel needed an upgrade from 100A to 200A, the roof was 20 years old with a 20 year lifespan, swapped for a 50 year roof that will outlive me, the house has a 3rd patio which couldn't be used because there was no cover, so we added a retractible awning, solar panels, just got a hot tub.

And, yeah, consumer capitalism, but these are infrastructure investments that improve our lives and add value.

Aggressive mediocrity, malicious compliance.

Be successful and be responsible for my own happiness

Hmm. Hobbies? Something that isn't part of the daily grind? Maybe take part in the capitalism for a while, save some money to move somewhere else? I heard there isn't much at least in the USA in between ultra capitalism and a cabin in the woods. But there might be somewhere else... Maybe a nice hacienda in Andalusia?

Social media, appearently.

One day at a time.

Don't subscribe to the hive speak. Get quality essentials and buy based on your own thoughts, expectations and experience, not what people say. Influencers are a plague.

I think it depends on your philosophy a lot. For me, I'm an absurdist so for me, remembering the futility of it all helps a lot. Grounding myself in that nothingness forces me to make and develop my own purpose, not derive it from product or capital. What drives me is tied not to the money I make nor my ability to make it, rather it comes from myself and the change I want to see in the world. I looked to the stars when I was young longing to explore them, but due to our species's greed I know I never will. So I want to leave behind a world where future generations have the stability, resources, environment, and mental & physical health to look at the stars and actually visit them. It is difficult living under a system that is designed to grind you up for profit, but in holding true to yourself and what you value you can hold strong. It isn't about how many times you fall down, but how many times you get up.

ETA: I also highly recommend philosophy and introspection if you don't already practice or read about those subjects. In understanding yourself you will discover better ways to understand others, and vice versa. Humans are social creatures so hold onto those you love and trust and be open to new people. Do not fear loss or pain because then you will never live nor learn, but do not go recklessly into the night. Share the love, be empathetic and kind, and help people understand the truth and think for themselves. Doing those will hold you close to the ground and give you the roots you need to stand tall against the oppression.

Graduating the 7th grade?

Avoid participation. Live your life. Be free.