Not really sure how to even start this but here goes. I (26F) have just been feeling like I’m living the same day on repeat latly, and I don’t know how to shake it. Nothing bad is really happening, but nothing good either. Just this weird numbness.
Some context:
I work a pretty normal 9-5 (remote), pays the bills but it’s not something I’m passionate about. Most days I feel like I’m just clicking through life.
Used to love painting, taking long walks, and reading weird books—can’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed any of those.
Haven’t had a proper conversation with a friend in weeks. We all kinda drifted and now it feels awkward reaching out again, like too much time passed or something?
Not in a relationship, and not exactly looking either. Just feeling kinda invisible these days.
I’ve tried journaling, setting small goals, doing the whole “romanticize your life” thing people talk about online—but it never really sticks. Some days I’m ok, some days I literally just scroll till I fall asleep.
I guess what I’m asking is—has anyone else felt like this before? How do you find purpose again when nothing is technically wrong, but nothing feels right either? Any small things that helped you get out of this kind of headspace?
Thanks for reading this far if you did. Appreciate any advice, even if it’s just a “you’re not alone.”
Comments
Sure. Like a groundhog day. The fact you’re aware of it is better than most. Sounds like you’re having a spiritual awakening. I would suggest embracing it and take it as a sign it’s time to break the cycle. Try meditation and breath work and see where that takes you.
Hi, bud! You’re not alone at all! I’ve definitely been in and out of this kind of headspace, as have many people and clients I’ve met over the years as a healthcare worker.
One thing I’ve learned about the human brain that has helped me navigate “meh” periods is that HUMANS LOVE NOVELTY (generally)! Actively seeking out random activities and destinations you would not normally be inclined to, can be really stimulating for creating new neural pathways, sparking creativity, and finding joy within reach. For example; look up your area on Atlas Obscura and pick a random place to visit. Did you know there is a marble museum? Find a trampoline gym (and who cares if you go alone? Maybe go during the week so there are fewer children lol – that’s what I did).. I’ve considered improv classes for this, as well as for community/levity/active listening skills, but that can be expensive.
I have found in my lifelong navigation of having a mood disorder, sometimes the regular hobbies and joys just aren’t enough. A weird book might not cut it right now. Maybe you need something a bit more out of the norm to pull you into a new headspace entirely and rediscover a sense of connection/meaning.
You aren’t invisible, btw! Best of luck to you!
Oh, you’re far from alone. I’ve been there. Am there. I feel like an echo. Alone in a crowd. Ignored. Like everyone is just uninterested in me. Part of it’s on me. I talk gently, so I’m often have not even heard. I’m not sure why I’m doing any of it.
I do know why I’m still here, tho; my family. My life isn’t my own it’s theirs. My mom needs a house and a caretaker in old age. My dad does too (and they’re divorced, but since im their only hope, they’ll have to figure out how to live together because i can’t be expected to choose between them again at that point. I know what I’d do if it was just me who’d be affected. I have a niece on the way, and my little brother just got his license. It’s funny he keeps trying to get me to go on random drives with him; ahh, the days when driving was fun enough to just do for no reason.
So numb, check; stuck, check; alone, check; I find journaling helps, but it’s not a be-all for me. Nostalgia helps, and keeping busy helps me. None of it has “fixed” anything for me. it just helps me forget, i guess. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’ve accepted it. And I just try and take things one day, one breath at a time.
My “goal” in life is to pass everything I’ve made onto someone else. I’ll make a few million by the time I’m retired, and I’ll give it all away. I’ll never own a huge house or 9 cars even if I have the means.
Oh, and remember to smell the roses. Go outside and lay down in the sun. Smell the air. Feel the earth. Make an effort to look for, seek, all the good things around you. That helps me, too.
I’m much younger than you but I understand. You just feel stuck in a loop. But you’re right, you aren’t alone. What worked for me was reaching out to those friends again, talking to people about totally random crap. It brought a bit of life back in. I know it feels awkward and you don’t want to bother them, but you never know until you try. Have a go, and even if it doesn’t go to plan, there will always be more opportunities in future.
I understand if you wouldn’t be comfortable to DM, but I’m open if you’d like to talk more.
Try and try again. Even if you fail, that adds experience for the future. Keep going; you can do it. 🙂
I struggled with this for a long time. Ended up figuring out I was allergic to dairy which caused a lot of issues. The allergy that I had my whole life wore me down harder as I got older. Not saying you’re allergic to dairy, but you may want to test for some of those sorts of things. Wish you the best.