There may come a time in your life where you feel unfulfilled and like you are stuck in a rut. You would not be alone in this, with national surveys showing that only 33% of Americans feel happy about their work and life. So, what can you do to bring back some zest into your life?
1. Learn something new
People often underestimate the power of learning a new thing even if it doesn’t directly benefit your work. Do something for you, like enrolling in a music school, trying a DIY project, or listening to educational materials on a topic you’ve always been interested in.
Not only does this stimulate your brain and give you something different to focus on, but you’ll find that it can expand your world view and allow you to feel fulfillment in other avenues. It may feel like a chore to set aside time and brainpower for something else, but you’ll find that it’s more motivating to use your energy on things that interest you.
2. Pursue your passions on the side
If you have a hobby that you’ve neglected for a while, pick it up again. If there’s a project you’ve always wanted to do, stop putting it off. However, make sure you are committed to staying motivated so that you don’t end up with a bunch of half-finished pursuits.
Stanford psychologists have concluded that it’s better to develop multiple passions that add to your life, rather than hyper-focusing on one and trying to make everything revolve around it. You can still maintain your career and become successful there, but don’t neglect the interests that make you feel creative and pumped on the side.
3. Indulge in “me” time
A stressful life can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t set aside any time and resources for self-care. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated, though. Merely making a meal for yourself, taking a few minutes to meditate, getting a massage, and having some quiet time can help you reset and have a moment just for you.
When you feel hopeless, you tend to feel disconnected from your own life. Reconnect with and remind yourself that you are still worth caring for, and you need to allow the necessary time to keep yourself going.
4. Cut out negativity
Our environment can affect us significantly. If you have negative influences and habits in your life, they can drag everything down. Don’t allow this negativity to fester lest it spills over to all aspects of your lifestyle.
If there are toxic people in your life, try to target these behaviors and resolve them. Otherwise, remove yourself from the situation. You don’t need to accept these attitudes.
If the negativity is coming from within, try to talk it out with a trusted confidant or find ways to expel such feelings and thoughts healthily. It may be all too easy to wallow, but there are ways to focus on positivity.
5. Balance your priorities
Finding a balance in your life can start with mapping out your priorities and plans. Make sure you put the right mix of things you need and things you want. Different factors in your life don’t necessarily have to combat each other. Don’t drop your goals. Instead, find ways to work towards them without burning yourself out.
Don’t give up if you feel like you’re stuck in life. Take the time to reboot, get back to feeling good, and keep moving forward.