How to Be More Interested in Things

The very fact that you recognize that you have a lack of interest in things means that you are ready to improve things. There are many reasons why you might find your level of interest less than it should be. Apathy can be a feature of mental illness. Many people, for instance, who are suffering from depression find it difficult to summon up any interest, even in things they formerly enjoyed. It may be that you have been through a period of stress, where you have been preoccupied with health, work or family problems. You may find that other areas of interest have faded into the background. However, there are steps you can take to become interested again.

Instructions

• 1

  Explore the timescale of your loss of interest. Ask yourself whether it is a long-standing attitude or more recent. This is significant. If you have recently lost interest in former hobbies or even in your friends, consult your doctor. You may be suffering from depression or stress, and you may need treatment for this. Your doctor will discuss other relevant issues, such as your sleeping habits, your appetite and your libido.

• 2

  Set small goals for yourself. You may have lost the habit of enjoying yourself. It is a little like your appetite. You sometimes need to tempt it by having a little of something you enjoy. If you previously enjoyed the cinema, go see an easy film, something that will not require huge amounts of concentration. You could return to education, in a small way. If there is something you have always thought about learning, sign up for a taster course.

• 3

  Follow what is going on in the world. This can seem daunting and even depressing at times, but it can also help you to become more engaged with the world and less introspective. Buy a newspaper each day for a week, and watch at least one news or current affairs program each day.