If you can’t remember the last time you felt truly ‘alive,’ say goodbye to these 7 habits

You know that feeling? The one where you feel invigorated, full of life, and like you can conquer anything that comes your way? When was the last time you felt that way?

If you’re scratching your head trying to remember, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Life can often become a monotonous routine, and sometimes we don’t realize we’re stuck in a rut until we’ve been in it for a while.

The problem is, without even knowing it, we often develop habits that suck the joy out of our lives.

They can leave us feeling drained, uninspired and far from the vibrant beings we once were.

But here’s the good news.

Just as it takes time to develop these bad habits, with a little bit of conscious effort, we can also unlearn them.

In this article, I’m going to share with you seven habits that might be keeping you from feeling truly ‘alive’.

By saying goodbye to these, you might just be able to rekindle that spark and start feeling more energized and enthusiastic about life again.

Remember, life is too short to merely exist. It’s about time we start living it to the fullest. So let’s dive in!

1) Living in the past or future

It’s easy to get caught up in the ‘what ifs’ and ‘if onlys’. We often find ourselves dwelling on past mistakes or daydreaming about a future that hasn’t arrived yet.

But here’s the thing.

Life happens in the present. Every moment you spend stuck in the past or future is a moment lost from truly living in the now.

Of course, it’s natural to remember past experiences or plan for the future. But when these thoughts start consuming your present, that’s when it becomes a problem.

Start by becoming more aware of when you’re slipping into these thought patterns. Practice mindfulness techniques, like meditation, to help ground yourself in the present moment.

Remember, you can’t change the past and you can’t predict the future. But you can make the most of your present. That’s where true life is lived. By saying goodbye to this habit, you’re taking a vital step towards feeling more ‘alive’.

2) Being too hard on yourself

We all strive for perfection in some form or another. But sometimes, that perfectionism can turn into a habit that keeps us from enjoying life and feeling truly ‘alive’.

Let me share a personal example.

I used to be incredibly hard on myself, always striving for flawlessness. If I made a mistake or fell short of my own expectations, I would berate myself for days.

This constant self-criticism took a toll on my mood, my energy levels, and even my relationships.

Then one day, I realized that I was so busy criticizing myself that I was missing out on life. I was forgetting to enjoy the small victories, the simple joys, and the beauty around me.

So I made a conscious decision to change. Instead of focusing on my shortcomings, I started celebrating my successes, no matter how small they seemed. Instead of aiming for perfection, I started aiming for progress.

And guess what?

I felt more alive than I had in years.

You see, being kind to yourself doesn’t mean you’re settling for mediocrity. It means you’re giving yourself the space to grow, to learn, and most importantly, to live.

So say goodbye to the habit of being too hard on yourself. It might just be the key to feeling more ‘alive’.

3) Neglecting self-care

There’s something I’ve noticed that we all seem to do, almost without realizing it. We put ourselves last on our own priority list.

Work, family, chores, responsibilities – they all come first. Our own needs? They often get pushed to the bottom.

But here’s what I’ve learned: You can’t pour from an empty cup.

During a particularly challenging period of my life, I was juggling multiple roles – mom, wife, employee, friend – and trying to excel in all of them. I was running on empty, but I kept pushing myself.

Until one day, I simply crashed. I was exhausted, overwhelmed and far from feeling ‘alive’. That’s when I realized that I had been neglecting the most important person in my life – myself.

I had forgotten to take care of my own needs. To rest when I was tired. To eat when I was hungry. To take a break when things got too much.

From that day forward, I pledged to make self-care a priority. Whether it’s taking a few minutes for meditation, going for a walk outdoors, or simply curling up with a good book – these moments of self-care have become sacred to me.

And you know what? It works.

When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of others and to handle whatever life throws at you. You feel more energetic, more balanced and definitely more ‘alive’.

So if you’re neglecting self-care, it’s time to say goodbye to that habit. Trust me; your future self will thank you for it.

4) Surrounding yourself with negativity

They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. And it’s true.

When you surround yourself with negative people, their pessimism can rub off on you. Before you know it, you’re viewing life through a gloomy lens, feeling drained and far from ‘alive’.

I’ve learned this the hard way.

There were people in my life who were always complaining, always focusing on what was wrong, never happy. And I started to realize that after spending time with them, I’d feel low and uninspired.

So, I made a change.

I decided to limit my time with these negative influences and instead, surround myself with positive, uplifting people. People who inspire me, motivate me and make me feel good about myself.

The difference was like night and day.

Suddenly, I felt more optimistic. More energetic. More ‘alive’.

Remember, life is too short to be surrounded by negativity. Choose your tribe wisely. It can make all the difference in how you experience life and how ‘alive’ you feel.

5) Spending too much time indoors

There’s something truly invigorating about spending time outdoors. The fresh air, the natural light, the beauty of nature – it just has a way of making you feel more ‘alive’.

Did you know that research has shown that spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels?

Yet, in our busy lives, we often forget to make time for this simple habit. We get caught up in our routines, our screens, our indoor comforts.

I used to be one of those people. My day would start and end indoors – working, cooking, cleaning, watching TV. I was missing out on the rejuvenating effects of the great outdoors.

So I started making small changes.

I’d have my morning coffee on the balcony, taking in the fresh air and morning sun. I’d take walks in the park during lunch breaks. I’d spend weekends exploring hiking trails or just lazing around in a local park.

And let me tell you, it made all the difference.

I felt healthier, happier and definitely more ‘alive’.

Don’t underestimate the power of nature. Even small doses can have a big impact on your well-being. So if you’re spending too much time indoors, it might be time to say goodbye to that habit.

6) Ignoring your feelings

We’re taught from a young age to keep our emotions in check. “Don’t be a crybaby.” “Don’t let them see you’re hurt.” “Keep a stiff upper lip.” Sounds familiar, right?

But suppressing our feelings doesn’t make them go away. Instead, they pile up inside us, making us feel heavy and emotionally numb.

I used to be guilty of this too. I’d swallow down my feelings, put on a brave face, and carry on as if everything was okay.

But it wasn’t okay.

Ignoring my feelings didn’t make me strong; it made me feel less ‘alive’.

So I made a change. I started acknowledging my feelings, even the uncomfortable ones. I allowed myself to feel sad when I was sad, angry when I was angry, and yes, happy when I was happy.

It wasn’t easy, but it was liberating.

By acknowledging my feelings and giving myself permission to experience them fully, I felt lighter, more authentic, more ‘alive’.

Remember, it’s okay to feel your feelings. They’re part of what makes you human.

By saying goodbye to the habit of ignoring them, you’re embracing a healthier, more vibrant way of living.

7) Not taking time for what makes you happy

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget to do what makes us truly happy. We get so caught up in our responsibilities that we put our own passions and interests on the back burner.

But here’s the most important thing you should know: True happiness comes from doing what you love. It’s what makes you feel truly ‘alive’.

Whether it’s painting, dancing, hiking, reading, cooking – whatever it is that lights up your soul – make time for it. No excuses.

Because at the end of the day, life isn’t just about surviving. It’s about thriving. And doing what you love is a big part of that.

So say goodbye to the habit of not making time for your happiness. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Embracing aliveness

If any of these habits resonate with you, know that you’re not alone. Many of us fall into these patterns without even realizing it. But the good news is, you have the power to change.

The first step is awareness. Begin by recognizing which of these habits are present in your life. Reflect on how they may be keeping you from feeling truly ‘alive’.

Then, start making small changes. Say goodbye to one habit at a time. Replace it with something that nourishes your soul, that makes you feel vibrant and full of life.

Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey, one step at a time. Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself.

Because at the end of the day, it’s your life. You deserve to feel truly ‘alive’. You deserve to experience the fullness, the richness of life in all its colors and flavors.

So here’s to saying goodbye to old habits and embracing a life of aliveness. Here’s to living life on your own terms, full of energy, joy, and vibrancy.

Because ultimately, isn’t that what life is all about?