Lord Hanuman, the ultimate problem-solver: What his story teaches us about emotional exhaustion, always being the strong one and learning to ask for help when everyone depends on you

In almost every family, office or friend group, there is one person everyone turns to when things go wrong. They find the solution, carry the load and stay calm, even when they are quietly running on empty. In the Ramayana, that person is Hanuman.

He crosses the ocean, finds Sita, burns Lanka and brings a whole mountain of herbs to save Lakshmana’s life. Yet a closer reading of his story shows something gentler beneath the strength: humility, devotion, teamwork and a willingness to be reminded of what he needs. Here are five reflections for anyone who is always expected to be the strong one.