Life is like two sides of the same coin. It can be beautiful, filled with the laughter of your friends, the blissful white noise of your favorite getaway spot, or the melody of your favorite song. However, it can also be daunting. 

For most people, falling into the common routines of life is comforting at first. You always know what your next step is and how your getting there, but it can start to become dreadful. Often, when people have constant, set routines such as going to school or work, it becomes easy to fall into a strange looping feeling. The repetition of everyday things starts to become unbearable. This feeling can cause people to lose satisfaction with things that they once enjoyed or found comfort in. Being in this state is not fun for anyone, and could eventually lead to major mental health issues if it isn’t handled well. Luckily, there are ways to break out of the shell of this feeling.

Focusing on the positive things in life can be difficult at times, but it is necessary if you want to be able to appreciate life to its fullest. Maybe there’s a hobby you haven’t picked up in awhile, or a favorite artist you enjoy listening to. In moments when you feel stuck, focus on things that bring you joy, like the corny jokes your friends make or the comfort of your own room. Light a candle, doodle on spare paper, watch your favorite film- anything that will give you a sense of calmness and ease. Incorporating small, comforting like this into your routine helps you enjoy life and all the little things that accompany it.

Make sure to do something different everyday when you get the chance. Whether it’s going for a walk in the afternoon or getting coffee from a different cafe, doing something new within your daily routine helps break the seemingly everlasting loop. Try to get into reading, or if you already have, find a new book to dive into. Plan out what you want your future house to look like, or visit a pet shop and say hello to all the animals. Having something to look forward to and be excited about contributes to breaking out of your shell and being able to feel satisfied with your life.

Everyone is going to experience some type of challenge in their life, and whether it’s physical or mental, the best way to handle these challenges is by focusing on the things you love. If you try to maintain a positive mentality, things will eventually get better, even if it takes a while. Maybe you have doubts about this method, but you should at least give it a try. It could be life-changing.