Can you honestly say that you live a fulfilling life? Many people would admit that they don’t feel like they do. Most people work hard to pay the bills and then spend the rest of their time on social media, watching TV, and doing other things that aren’t the most productive or great for mental health and well-being. You don’t need to have much money, friends, or things to live a fulfilling life. Your life just has to feel fulfilling to you. Below, you’ll find 15 suggestions that could help you to live a more fulfilling life. Take a look:
1. Figure Out What Your Stress Triggers Are And How To Avoid Them
How can you feel like your life is fulfilling if you’re living in a permanent state of stress? Stress may not be something we can see, but it’s definitely something we can feel that affects our lives in numerous ways. It can change our sleep patterns, our eating habits and even drive us to make poor decisions.
By figuring out what your stress triggers are, you can learn how to effectively avoid them. For example, if you habitually say yes to things and then later realize you have too much on your plate, learn how to start saying no. All it takes is a commitment to your own well-being and self-awareness.
2. Focus On Your Mental Health
Focusing on your mental health will always make your life more fulfilling. Lots of people pay attention to their physical health but pay no attention to their mental health. Of course, looking after your physical health is a good way to take care of your mental health simultaneously, but there may be other things you can do to take care of your mental health.
Meditation, for example, can be a wonderful tool that can open you up to a new way of thinking and being. You may find that you’re more creative, happier, and more relaxed from meditation. Use an app to help you get into it!
3. Take A Time Out
Some people believe they are only productive or worthy if they are moving at 100 miles an hour, always busy. This isn’t the case. You should take time out if you need it, which can benefit your physical and mental health. Whether you need a break from work or you need to ask a family member to have your kids overnight so you can take some time for yourself, don’t feel guilty.
4. Write Down Your Thoughts and Feelings
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to unjumble them and figure out what’s happening to you. For example, you could start a journal, which is a proven way to feel happier and reduce stress. It could even help you to see patterns in your thoughts and life and change them. You might find that you’re coming up with solutions to problems that would have once stumped you when you commit to being more self-aware and curious about your thoughts and feelings.
You could always start a blog if a journal isn’t your thing. Here’s a great guide on how to start blogging and perhaps eventually make some money. Some people like to grab a random sheet of paper and write down whatever is in their heads at some point during the day. They don’t filter their thoughts or self-edit. They just do it and then forget about it. It doesn’t even have to make sense!
5. Find A Creative Hobby
A creative hobby can give you a new sense of purpose and help you to have fun and learn how to play again. Many of us neglect to include play in our daily routines as adults, but it’s important for our happiness. Find a creative hobby even if you’re not sure you’ll be any good at it. The only reason you’re doing it is to enjoy yourself. You could paint, try photography, make jewelry, or do something else that you think could be fun.
6. Do One Thing That Scares You Every Day
Commit to living outside your comfort zone, and you’ll soon realize this is where life starts. Do one thing that scares you daily, whether speaking to somebody new or smiling at a stranger. You’ll slowly build your confidence and realize you’re far more capable than you initially thought.
7. Treat Yourself Well
Treating yourself well is so important. Self-care should be a regular part of your day, whether this is spending a little longer in the shower using nice products or cooking yourself a hearty meal from scratch.
8. Make Exercise A Priority
Exercise can have all kinds of physical and mental benefits. Exercise in the morning, for example, can increase blood flow to the brain, making you more creative and able to solve problems. It can also help you to sleep better at night, improve your mood in the long and short term, and help you to fight off diseases by strengthening your immune system and helping you to stay at a healthy weight. You really can’t argue with the benefits of exercise, so again, it’s time to find something you enjoy. You don’t have to exercise every day or even every other day. You might like to commit to 3 days a week, to begin with. Even 20-30 minutes will make you feel good and put you in a better mood. Just see how you feel after starting your day with exercise you enjoy, and you’ll likely want to keep it up.
9. Stop Worrying About What Other People Think
Worrying too much about other people’s thoughts is like putting on an invisible straight jacket. It can be tough to stop worrying about their judgments, but it’s important to remember that whatever you do, you will be judged. If the people who are judging you don’t matter at all, don’t worry about it. Above all else, you need to do what makes you happy and live your life for you and only you.
10. Always Aim To Learn
Being a lifelong learner is something everybody should aim for. Learning should not stop once we have left school. There are so many interesting topics out there; why would you want to just stop? You can learn at your own pace about whatever you want. Just aim to expand your awareness, grow, and become a better person. Read books, watch YouTube videos, go to courses – just don’t stop learning!
11. Approach Every Day With A Sense Of Play
Do your best to get into the habit of approaching each and every day with a sense of play. You may have work to do and a list of chores as long as your arm, but there are ways you can make them fun. By realizing that everything is play and not taking life so seriously, you’ll enjoy yourself so much more. It isn’t about waiting until you have a holiday or a party to look forward to – it’s about finding ways to enjoy the normal days, the days you will live the most.
12. Nurture Your Relationships
Spend time nurturing your relationships as often as you can. Give people your undivided attention when you speak to them, and keep your phone in your pocket. Ask people how they are. Arrange meetups. Create a strong support network. Don’t drift away from the people who matter to you!
13. Learn How To Let Go of Things That You Can’t Control
Letting go of things you can’t control is something else that takes practice, but it’s so worth it. Why spend time worrying about things that you can’t do anything about? When you detach from them, you’ll probably find that a better outcome presents itself, too.
14. Get Out Of Your Own Head
Living in the moment is key if you want to live a fulfilling life. Get out of your own head and try to focus on the moment before you, whether you’re spending time with a loved one, cooking dinner, or doing the dishes. Try to enjoy it, and pay attention to every sensation. Don’t put a label on things, don’t overthink. Meditation can help with this. Many people have so many thoughts in their heads at once and can’t imagine a life where their mind is just…still. But it can happen, and people often report being far happier.
15. Learn A New Skill
Why not learn a new skill? You’re never too old to learn something new. It’s all about your mindset towards the task at hand! You could learn a language, learn how to play an instrument or do something else you’ve wanted to do for a while. This is so satisfying once you see yourself making progress, and you’ll build your confidence again.
How will you begin living a more fulfilling life?
