Life can be a contact sport. There are a number of reasons you might be struggling to enjoy life right now. But it is important to not give up. There are steps you can take beginning today to change your mindset and once again be excited about living.
Create a Pros & Cons List
Write down all the aspects of your life that are on your mind right now. Notice which parts spark joy and which bring you down. When you look at what parts cause you unhappiness can you begin to identify ways of improving them? For example, if you are struggling with money, can you identify ways to begin to cut costs or begin to save more? Begin to make a plan including creating action steps. By addressing each negative facet at a time, you can create bits of success that renew your spirit.
Empower Yourself
You are given the power to make informed choices, which can be used to improve your life. This includes what you choose to eat each day, people you surround yourself with, and self care routines. If you are struggling with weight, you can begin to find simple ways to exercise more. If you hate your job, you have the choice when to start a new job hunt. Gain a sense of self-power by not just identify what needs to get fixed, but concrete steps you can take to improve your situation.
Choose Joy Over Sorrow
When life knock you down it can feel incredibly difficult to pick yourself back up. However, if you stay stuck in a negative mindset, you will only drag your spirit further down. Try to surround yourself with things that bring you joy. Begin to incorporate watching comedies or your favorite movie to help yourself smile a bit more. Call a dear friend that you might not have called in a while. By focusing on the needs and concerns of someone else, you can take a vacation from your own struggles. If you are finding yourself struggling with depression or anxiety solicit the help of your doctor or therapist. Mental health care is a battle no one should face alone.
Prioritize Your Needs
After you make a list of aspects you want to change, you must begin to prioritize the order you want to tackle them. One strategy is to order them from easiest to hardest to achieve. Perhaps one of your smaller items can be a great starting point. Once you successful achieve that goal find another item to work on. Focus on one item at a time. Being able to complete tasks will help inspire you to keep working towards self-improvement.
Next, establish and maintain a schedule. Staying on a schedule can help give a sense of comfort and predictability to your life. For example, if you want to lose weight you schedule should include what times you intend to eat, and what times you will exercise. Schedules will only be as successful as your ability to adhere to it! Only you can change your life and you must honor yourself by being commitment to making the necessary changes to improve your situation. Don’t feel like you have to take on the whole world, your schedule will help you address each issue one at a time and in incremental steps that won’t feel overly intimidating.
Living Your Best Life
Living the life of your dreams involves you fully understanding what matters most to you. Your pros and cons list will help give you vital perceptive. Start making changes to correct the negative aspects of your life and cultivate more joy in your days.
Forgive yourself for your past mistakes. You can’t live in the past and be truly happy. Happiness can only be achieved by living and enjoying the current moment. If you commit to bringing in more joy and positivity into your life, your spirit will begin to lighten. You will be able to feel more hopeful and become an inspiration to the people around you. If you are worried about your mental health, seek professional guidance and attend every session. Your life can and will get better with hard work and patience.