How To Get Back On Track When You’re Feeling Lost

We’ve all felt lost at some point in our lives. Every person feels this way at different times and to different degrees. However, it’s safe to say that this feeling is more common than we (and our society) would have ourselves believe.

Feeling lost in life can happen after a major life event. Big life changes like the death of a loved one or moving to a new place can leave you feeling disoriented.

But feeling lost in life doesn’t always have to be the result of something big happening.

Sometimes it is a subtle feeling that gradually creeps up on you. It’s the feeling that you’re not progressing in life. Or, that you’re not on the same level as your friends or people you look up to on social media.

Maybe you wake up one day and suddenly realize there is a disconnect between where you want to be and where you are currently. Or, maybe you can’t pinpoint exactly why you’re feeling so lost at the moment.

Regardless of the why, feeling lost in life can be scary. You feel like a small boat, aimlessly adrift amidst the enormous ocean, without a compass or destination. It can be overwhelming, worrying, and even downright depressing. The longer you feel this way, the more hopeless you may be tempted to feel about your situation. 

The good news is that no matter the reason or how long you’ve felt this way, there’s hope. Everyday is a fresh new start to reinvent yourself and get back on track to living a life that makes you happy. 

If you find yourself wandering through life without a clue to where you’re going, you’re going to need to start at ground zero. These helpful tips can be your guide and help you discover how to get back on track when you’re feeling lost.

Get Clarity On What You Want

The first thing you need to do to get back on track when you’re feeling lost is to get clarity on what you want. 

One of the best ways to get clear on what you really want out of life is by journaling. These self-discovery journaling prompts are the perfect place to start. Journaling grants you the opportunity to identify and challenge your own beliefs and behaviors. It can also help you to recognize where you want to improve and make changes in your life.

If you’re not happy with your life currently, then you’re going to need to get to the root of the issue. This process isn’t always easy, however, and sometimes can take weeks or even months to figure out. The main thing is that you start taking action today towards living your dream life. 

Pinpoint any areas of your life that you’re feeling dissatisfied with. Really dig deep on why you’re unhappy in those areas. Once you know this, you can begin to brainstorm solutions. For example, maybe you’re not satisfied with your current line of work. So, your solution would be to figure out what you’re passionate about and then to find a career that aligns with that. Another example could be that you’re not happy with your income. Your solution could be creating a side hustle that allows you to pocket extra cash each month.

Finally, evaluate your reasons for what you do. Are you doing things because you truly want to do them? Are you living your life the way you truly want to? Or, are you living to please other people? Are you living, dressing, behaving in a way that embodies your character and values? Or in a disingenuous way because of societal pressures?

Once you’re clear on what you want, you’ll have a direction of where you’ll want to start heading and the actions you’ll need to take to get there.

Do A Clean Sweep

Just like our homes need regular cleaning, our lives can use a customary deep cleaning, too. 

You can (and should) do a clean sweep on anything that drains you mentally or emotionally. This could be toxic people, superficial friends, people you follow on social media, tv shows, music, clothes, etc. 

Schedule a day on your calendar, either monthly or quarterly, to have a life reset day. Evaluate your life, the people you allow in it, the things you own, and the activities you do. Then, put everything to the Marie Kondo test. 

If something doesn’t immediately elicit a feeling of joy, thank it for its time and the purpose it served. Then, let it go, guilt-free. You’ll not only feel lighter, but you’ll also gain a deep sense of peace that you may not have realized you were missing. So, focus on what makes you happy and declutter the rest!

Surround Yourself With Positivity

Once you’ve decluttered all the negativity from your life, you now have room to fill your environment with positivity. If you’re wondering how to get back on track when you’re feeling lost, a great way to do this is by surrounding yourself with as much inspiration as possible.

You can do this by:

Reading motivational self-help books that interest you. 

Listening to uplifting music and podcasts. (As a Christian, nothing leaves me feeling more positive than praising God through Gospel music!) 

Finding inspirational content creators on YouTube and learning as much as you can from them. 

Create a ‘positivity’ Pinterest board with encouraging quotes and pictures.

Surrounding yourself with positive individuals who are like-minded, ambitious, and possess a growth-mindset. 

Only allow people who see and respect you and your unique talents into your life from here forward. If you don’t already have people like this in your life it’s a great idea to join an online friend group. It’s important to find a community where you feel heard and are valued as an individual.

Another great way to infuse your life with positivity? Make a joy list of ten things that make you the happiest. Then, aim to do at least one of these things per day. Try to do these things as often as possible and schedule them into your calendar if needed.

Practice Gratitude

When you’re feeling lost, chances are you feel like you’re just trying to survive by going through the motions. You’re alive, but you’re not really living. One way to ground yourself is by practicing gratitude. 

Practicing gratitude is all about being thankful for what we already have in a society that tells us we always are in need of more. And we all have something to be thankful for! 

It can be as simple as being thankful for the air in your lungs. The feeling of the warm sunshine on your skin. Or, that much needed first cup of coffee in the morning. 

Practicing gratitude is also linked with many health benefits, both mental and physical. These benefits range from reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression to improving mood.

To practice gratitude, you can write down 1-3 things you’re thankful for each day. You can do this in a notebook, a sticky note that can be placed somewhere you’ll see it, or even the notes app on your phone. There are also some really cute gratitude journals on Amazon like this one for those of you who are all about the *aesthetic* like myself!

Take A Time Out

Sometimes, you just need to get away. If you can at all, take a vacation. Even a little, mini weekend getaway can give your mind a much needed mental refresh. 

If you’re not able to take a proper vacation, however, fear not. Even planning a vacation for the future can relieve stress and give you something to look forward to! 

If you absolutely can’t get away, try to carve out some time (24 hours minimum!) to take a time out. Have a staycation at home to take a mental vacation from work, stressors, and responsibilities. 

Ask a family member if they can watch the kids. Turn notifications off on your phone. Don’t check emails or social media during this period, no matter how tempting! Light some candles, lock the door, and pour yourself a glass of wine, whiskey, sparkling grape juice – whatever your preference! 

Binge-watch a tv show that’s been on your list. Try out a new hobby. Read a book. Play a video game. Do something that you find relaxing and allows your mind to escape reality for a bit. Think about something you enjoyed doing as a kid and try that activity for a bit. You might be surprised at how much fun you have doing something unexpected!

You can get creative with your staycation, too! Plan an at-home yoga retreat or spa day for yourself. This time is all about listening to what your mind and body needs and giving it to yourself, guilt-free.

It’s critical for our mental health to take regular time outs. Make sure to prioritize regular fun outings (or nights in) where you can get away on a consistent basis.

Spend Time In Nature

If you can’t escape to the mountains or the beach, try to at least get outside wherever you can! 

Spending time in nature can increase happiness and boost creativity. This is exactly what your mind needs when you’re feeling lost, or even a little off balance. Getting outside allows you to get fresh air and perspective! 

Even 10-15 minutes of sunshine can make a difference in how you’re feeling. Sit out on your porch or balcony while you drink your cup of coffee in the mornings. Take a trip to your local park and read a book or people watch. You can even make it a solo or couples date and prepare a cute little picnic lunch to enjoy!

Exercise

It’s no secret that exercise has a plethora of physical and mental health benefits. 

According to this medical journal entry, “Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.” 

Feeling lost can take a major toll on your mental health. So, the fact that exercise can naturally combat these negative effects is motivation enough to get moving!

If you don’t like the gym, don’t rule this one out. There are plenty of free workout classes available on YouTube for every taste – Zumba, Tabata, Kickboxing, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi. Be sure to take advantage of the free resources that are available and whatever you choose, make sure to have fun with it!

Volunteer

Volunteering is great for instilling a greater sense of purpose within oneself. It always feels good to give selflessly – whether it’s with time, money, or other resources. It’s also a great way to get involved in a community. You can even find volunteer work in areas that align with your talents and passions.

Giving back to your community is not only beneficial to those you help. It can boost your mood, make you more grateful, and put your own life into perspective. When you see others’ who are truly in need, your struggles and worries suddenly don’t seem so big anymore.

Take Up A New Hobby

Partaking in a hobby you enjoy doing can act as an artistic outlet. The experience of creating something new can be very therapeutic. 

This could be woodworking and building objects and furniture. Or, maybe you enjoy baking delicious goodies from scratch to share with friends and family. 

Learning a musical instrument and creative writing are both great ways to express the many feelings you may be experiencing. 

Some other fun hobbies are: painting, adult coloring books, antiquing, collecting, knitting, crocheting, felting, gaming, scrapbooking, candle making, etc. Check out this list of over one-hundred hobbies ideas to try for more inspiration!

Create A New Routine

Another way to get back on track when you’re feeling lost is by switching up your routine. 

Sometimes all it takes is a small change to get you out of a funk. 

You can try creating a slow morning routine for yourself with whatever amount of time you have before your work day starts. Try adding mind-boosting activities like journaling, meditation, yoga, and of course eating a healthy, nutritious breakfast. 

If you have the luxury of working from home, you can create a work-from-home routine that allows you to get into a creative flow state.

You can also create a relaxing evening routine for yourself. Plan out some calming activities to wind down your body and mind a few hours before bed time. 

Some cozy bedtime activities include taking a bath, savoring a cup of herbal tea,  giving yourself (or enlist your partner to help) a body massage with lotion or essential oils, reading a book, coloring, listening to relaxing music such as jazz or classical, or listening to a guided meditation.

By making sure you are incorporating energy-giving activities into your daily routine that recharge your battery, you are partaking in self-care and thereby, prioritizing your mental health.

Focus On Mental Health

Feeling lost in life can take a toll on your mental health. 

Make sure that you take the time to prioritize your mental health. Don’t be too hard on yourself for how you’re currently feeling. Remember that everyone feels lost at some point in their lives. 

And don’t forget to reach out for help if needed. Therapy is a great way to get unstuck. Talking with a therapist allows you to vent about what you’re experiencing. Your therapist will be able to equip you with the tools needed to make positive changes in your life.

Hire A Life Coach

If you’re just not sure what direction you want to go in life, or if you feel like you’re not making as much progress in your career as you’d like, you may benefit from hiring a life coach. 

A life coach can help you to understand what you want out of a career if you’re not sure by taking into account your interests, passions, and skills. 

Life coaches have the benefit of being an unbiased third-party and can help you to get out of your own head by providing an outsider’s perspective on your situation.

A life coach will guide you through challenges you face in your personal and professional life. They will act as your own personal cheerleader – holding you accountable for your actions and ensuring you’re making progress on your goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re wondering how to get back on track when you’re feeling lost, remember you’re not alone. Everyone feels this way at some point in their lives. Use these tips to refresh your perspective and renew your mindset. Know that this is just a normal phase of life and that eventually these feelings will pass. And reach out for help or talk to a therapist if you’re feeling depressed or anxious.

It’s never too late for a fresh start. Read Starting Over: Why It’s Okay And How It’s Actually A Good Thing to learn why beginning anew isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Photo credit: Ali Kazal on Unsplash