How To Get More Out of Life: 14 Tips for Finding Meaning Every Day

After the magic of childhood, adults join the workforce to the harsh reality of responsibilities. “Is this all there is,” they think, after spending most of their time working to afford the bare necessities of survival. 

No, it’s not all there is. Here are 14 tips for living a more meaningful life every day. 

Celebrate the Small Moments

Parents about to pop the balloon at their gender reveal party.
Photo Credit: Dean Drobot via Shutterstock.com.

Life isn’t about those big, grand moments but the small things. Find joy in the little things, like the content purr of a cat in your lap, a child’s joy when they show you their new toy, and the intrigue of a new book. 

Don’t Live to Work

A woman sits at her desk with her laptop open while wistfully looking out the window.
Photo Credit: fizkes via Shutterstock.com.

Our work culture elevates work above all else, but it’s wrong. Work lets us pay our bills, but it’s not the most critical thing in our lives. 

Explore Hobbies

woman working on a cheap hobby, like making jewelry at home, to represent cheap hobbies
Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images via Shutterstock.com.

Many people find meaning in hobbies that bring them joy. If you’re feeling stuck, try something new. Pick up a paintbrush, roll some clay, and make jewelry. Creation, no matter how small, helps add meaning to our lives. 

Take Risks

Group of hikers climbing up a snow covered mountain in a single file trail.
Photo Credit: emerald_media via Shuttestock.com.

Most people only regret the things they didn’t do. If you want to live a full life, you need to take some risks. Ask someone out, move across the country, and take that scary job offer. 

Have Adventures

A smiling man taking a selfie on a trip.
Photo Credit: DavideAngelini via Shutterstock.com.

In the end, all we’ll have is memories about our lives and how we lived (John Feldman, Goldfinger). If you want meaning in your life, you must make it. Climb that mountain, take that trip, do something crazy and wild that you’ll remember forever. 

Keep Learning

Young entry-level worker learning from an older male colleague.
Photo Credit: Ground Picture via Shutterstock.com.

Our minds crave engagement. Giving your brain what it wants is a great way to ensure you have meaning in your life. Take a class, read books, and commit to a life of endless learning. 

Find Something Bigger Than Yourself

Group of volunteers packing bags of food at the food pantry.
Photo credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock.com.

Many people find meaning in causes and organizations that transcend them. Some join religious organizations, while others engage in community service. 

Gratitude

A senior woman has her eyes closed and her hands over her heart in an expression of gratitude.
Photo Credit: Ground Picture via Shutterstock.com.

Each day is a gift. Our lives are far more meaningful when we recognize that, along with all the other blessings we receive each day. 

Slow Down

An older woman enjoys the solitude of nature at a river bank in the fall.
Photo Credit: Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko via Shutterstock.com.

Our fast-paced world doesn’t leave time for reflection, but we don’t have to participate. Opt for a lower-stress job and give yourself time to be. 

Determine What You Want Out of Life

A woman who looks like she's thinking deeply about something.
Photo Credit: Jasen Wright via Shutterstock.com.

Some folks are so caught up in the grind that they don’t stop to ask themselves why.  What’s the point of spending all your life at work? Why are you saving all that money? 

You may have grand plans, and that’s wonderful, but if you don’t, you may want to reevaluate your choices. 

And Why You Want It

A man with his hand on his chin looking off to the distance thinking.
Photo Credit: Asier Romero via Shutterstock.com.

Many people pursue things because it’s what society says they should want. But do you want it? You don’t need a house, a partner, kids, or a career to be happy. Forge your own path. 

Find a Tolerable Job

A woman behind her desk after work stretching and cracking her knuckles.
Photo Credit: Dmytro Zinkevych via Shutterstock.com.

Life is too short to spend the majority of the time miserable. There may not be a job you love, but you can probably find one you like. 

Therapy

therapist leading a group therapy session
Photo Credit: Ground Picture via Shutterstock.com.

Mental illness sucks the joy from everything. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t bring yourself to enjoy anything, maybe it’s time to see a professional and explore a mental health problem. 

Get Off the Internet

circle of hands all playing on cell phones
Photo Credit: Akhenaton Images via Shutterstock.com.

Life is happening around you, not on your phone. Get off the internet and spend time in the real world. 

Cross Stuff Off Your Bucket List

The words bucket list in bold with some travel graphics, like a map, camera, and photos, spread around beneath it
Photo Credit: Rawpixel.com via Shutterstock.com.

The world abounds with excitement and adventure. Whether you prefer to get your adventures at home or out in the wild, we have bucket list ideas for you. 

Consider adding some of these 200 activities to your must-do list!

Struggling with Hobby Ideas? Here Are 62 You Can Try that Won’t Break the Bank

cutting pieces for crafting with little craft boxes filled with tiny items
Photo Credit: LanaSweet via Shutterstock.com.

Hobbies don’t have to be expensive. Here are 62 more cheap hobbies you can try to enjoy your life in your spare time!

Read it here: 62 Free and Cheap Hobbies You Can Start Today

How To Find Your Passion and Life Your Dream Life

Man raising arms looking at the view after climbing a high mountain
Photo Credit: solarseven via Shutterstock.com.

Learning new skills is a major step towards discovering our true passion in life. Need extra help?

Discover How To Find Your Passion and Life the Life You’ve Always Wanted

Find Your Purpose in Life

A small man stands alone in an empty plain, looking through binoculars, trying to find opportunity in the emptiness.
Photo Credit: MedRocky via Shutterstock.com.

If you’re feeling depressed because your life lacks meaning, explore ways to bring more purpose to your life. 

Here’s how to find your purpose

How To Savor Every Moment

sand running through an hourglass to represent quotes about time.
Photo Credit: Min C. Chiu via Shutterstock.com.

They often say time flies, and that’s true. We’re often so busy we don’t even notice the days and years slip away. 

Yes Time Flies – But Here’s How To Savor Every Moment
 

Source: Reddit

Author: Melanie Allen

Title: Journalist

Expertise: Pursuing Your Passions, Travel, Wellness, Hobbies, Finance, Gaming, Happiness

Melanie Allen is an American journalist and happiness expert. She has bylines on MSN, the AP News Wire, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and numerous media outlets across the nation and is a certified happiness life coach. She covers a wide range of topics centered around self-actualization and the quest for a fulfilling life.