Big life changes aren’t easy, but sometimes they’re vital to get you on the path to happiness.
If you’re stuck in a rut, examine whether these difficult but critical changes can make life better.
Breaking Up
Sometimes relationships run their course, but we hold on far longer than we should. Though breaking up is never easy, sometimes it works wonders for enhancing our quality of life.
“My ex was a good person – I would not say a bad word about her,” said one user. “But I stayed in the relationship way longer than I should have despite not having anything in common and not being happy just because I didn’t think I could attract anyone else,” they admitted.
Others admit they were trapped in abusive relationships, and getting out significantly improved their mental health. “My sense of normal was so warped. My ex had me believing I wasn’t good enough to deserve anything more,” said one user, adding that although leaving was hard, “afterwards my life got so much better.”
Finding A Better Job
“Moving into a steady paced job that respects work/life balance,” said one user. “I was at a cut-throat tech company who was running a million miles an hour to grow as fast as possible. The strain it took on my mental health surprised me,” they added.
America’s toxic work culture often has employees working unfathomable hours for paltry pay; for some reason, we all accept it as normal. Finding a job that respects your right to downtime works wonders to make your life better.
Getting Sober
One user earned gold by simply remarking, “getting sober.” Others jumped in to discuss their sobriety journeys, including the triumphs and challenges.
Addiction is tough to beat. We applaud anyone who overcame it and offer support for those on their way to recovery. If you need help, contact the addiction hotline run by the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-662-4357.
Getting the help you need is one of the most challenging ways to make life better but trust us the end result will be worth the struggle.
Advocating for Yourself
Self-advocacy can be challenging, but one user was glad they didn’t give up. “Pushing my doctor to keep investigating why I was losing hair,” they commented, explaining their life-long struggle with hair loss. “Had many tests and many expensive visits to specialists with no answers. My doctor ended up giving me a referral to a dermatologist as a last resort, and was diagnosed with alopecia.”
The user went on to explain that after diagnosis, they received treatment, and their hair started growing back. “I was able to have my first haircut in two years, not gonna lie, it was a very emotional time and I cried.”
Drinking Water
Here’s a gimme: drink more water. Drinking more water will make your life better because you’ll be hydrated and you’ll stop drinking sugary drinks loaded with empty calories.
“Drinking more water and replacing late night soda with tea.” said one user. Soda explodes with empty calories and sugar, making it extremely unhealthy.
“Honestly, once you go a few weeks without soda you will wonder why you liked the stuff in the first place,” offered another Redditor.
Losing Weight
“Weight loss. It’s not an exaggeration to say it improves every single aspect of your life.” explained one user.
Many others agreed. “It really does change everything,” said one. “Glad I got to counting my calories. After that, it was only a matter of time,” they added.
I lost 20 lbs in just a few months, and although it was tough, I can see the clear impacts on my life. I have more energy, I fit into airplane seats, and I’m more confident. It’s hard, but well worth the effort.
Understanding Emotional Responsibility
We often blame ourselves for the outbursts of others, feeling guilty when they’re angry, at fault when they’re sad, and overall responsibility for how others feel. Learning that you’re only responsible for your own emotions, not those of others, is a huge relief.
A therapist once told me that someone else’s reactions aren’t my problem. I’m not responsible for how they choose to react. They also taught me that I’m not responsible for anyone else’s happiness, that’s on them too.
Exercise
“I wish I had started in my early teens,” admitted one user.
Working out had many benefits. Not only can you lose weight, but you get more energy, and it releases endorphins, which help make you happier overall.
Meditation
Meditation is “Absolutely annoying at first but changes everything,” said one user.
Another described their experience with meditation’s deep breathing techniques after a workout class. “I became much calmer, I could express my thoughts clearly, and stopped caring about things,” they said.
Learn the Power of No
“Learning to say no,” offered one user, adding that “No is a complete sentence.”
We often feel the need to explain why we don’t want to do something or give in to pressure and do things we don’t want to do. Learning to stand up for ourselves and our boundaries will improve our mental health and free up time for the things we really want to do.
Making a Big Move
It’s hard to improve yourself when you’re stuck in the same old town with the same old people. Sometimes you have to take a chance and strike out on your own.
Moving is tough because it requires a lot of time, energy, and money. It’s also hard to leave the people you care about. But I wouldn’t be who I am today if I didn’t take a chance and move across the country. Moving helps you follow your dreams or gives you a fresh start. If you plan it well, it’s worth all the challenges.
Going No Contact
It’s hard to turn our backs on family, but sometimes it’s better to cut them out of your life. When they’re the source of your pain, you’ll be happier in the long run without them.
You Can Make Life Better
Your life doesn’t always have to be what it is now. You can make life better. Yes, it’s hard, but it’s not impossible. Start with the our resource on easier ways to improve your life, and then move on to the challenging items on this list.
A better life can start right now, if you want it.
Source: Reddit