How Can I Change My Life if I'm Unhappy & Lonely?

Changing your life, whether you are unhappy or lonely, really does depend on you. You have the power to make the change by creating habits that will make an impact. To make a habit stick, you need to focus on that habit for a period of time, usually around 20 to 30 days. Before you can make the changes that you desire, you need to commit to the idea of change, and find someone who will hold you accountable.

Instructions

• 1

  Become a positive thinker. This is the most important step for changing your life. You may feel that this is a difficult step, especially if you are unhappy. However, with a little practice it will get easier. The challenge is for you to become aware of your thoughts. Throughout the day, pay close attention to what you are thinking. It may help to keep a journal, so you can jot down or keep a tally of positive and negative thoughts.

• 2

  Exercise. Exercising not only has health benefits, it also clears out your mind. When you exercise, you feel better and more confident about yourself. One of the keys to exercising is to think positively during exercise. Focus on how good you are feeling.

• 3

  Throw out stuff. Do an inventory of your life, meaning material and personal items. Find the items that are draining you. Simplify your schedule and your stuff. Keep items on your schedule and things in your home that are meant to serve you. Toss out the rest.

• 4

  Smile. Just keep smiling. You may feel that you are "faking" it for a little while, but soon enough the smile will be real. Follow that smile up with acts of kindness. When you are kind to others, you will notice big changes in your life. It's called karma.

• 5

  Develop a routine. When you create a daily routine, you can make a big difference in your life. Adding the habits into your day will help them become routine. Start small and add gradually; you don't want to overwhelm yourself. Good things to add to your routine are exercise and regular meal times.

• 6

  Take care of yourself. Dedicate certain periods of time throughout the day as "me time," so you can give yourself rewards. Treat yourself to a favorite food or drink, or practice yoga or meditation.

• 7

  Go out and meet people. If you're lonely, chances are high that you don't get out of the house enough. Just getting out of the house can do wonders for your emotional well-being. Instead of reading at home, read at the library; instead of drinking coffee in your bedroom, go to a coffee shop.

• 8

  Join groups. Find a local club or enroll in an activity, like a fitness program or a recreational sport. Put yourself in positions where you will be forced to meet people. Volunteer at local organizations, and donate your time to people in need. This will help you to meet people, and helping people will also boost your emotional state of mind.