Why You Feel So Unhappy & 5 Strategies to Live a Happier Life

Are you feeling like you're just going through the motions every day? You wake up, brush your teeth, go to work, come home, make dinner, and do it all over again? Oof, I get you. That can feel suuuuper rough.

That moment of, "ugh, what the heck am I doing in my life?" 

The cycle of doom, I like to call it.

You're not alone.

It's hard to be truly fully happy when you're going through the motions feeling so disconnected from your life.

Many people feel unhappy, stuck in routines that feel more like a hamster wheel than a fulfilling life.

The good news? There’s a way out of this cycle of unhappiness and tons of ways to cope.

Today, we’re diving into the science-backed techniques that can help you break free from autopilot and start living a more fulfilling life instead of feeling unhappy all the time.

From Feeling Unhappy to Thriving: My Personal Journey

I know what it feels like to feel deeply unhappy in life.

At one point, I was in a corporate job, living a routine where each day blended into the next.

I kept thinking, What am I doing with my life? It felt like I wasn’t living a happy life, just surviving.

The unhappiness seemed to seep into every part of me, my physical health, my mood, my sense of purpose, and it felt impossible to break free.

That’s when I hit a turning point. After crying dramatically on the bathroom floor, I knew I needed to make a change.

I started learning about mindfulness, self-help, energy healing, and brain science, which helped me rewire my negative thoughts and build a new outlook on life.

Through that journey, I was able to break free from constant feelings of unhappiness, emotional pain, and negativity, and discover what truly brings me joy and fulfillment. Now, I help others do the same.

You don’t need to quit your job or move across the world to find happiness in your life.

This was just my journey. Now, I teach others how to infuse joy into their everyday lives, find purpose, and live a happier life without having to make drastic changes.

Reasons Why You May Feel So Unhappy & How to Find Joy

Feeling unhappy doesn’t always have one simple cause. It could be tied to major life changes, unresolved conflicts, stuck energy, learned brain patterns, mental health concerns, or even comparing yourself to others.

It can be hard to find happiness in life when these things are going unaddressed.

One big reason why you may feel unhappy could be the repetitive nature of your routine.

Neuroscience tells us that our brains are wired for efficiency, so we naturally fall into habits.

While this saves us energy (thank goodness we don't have to relearn to brush our teeth every morning!), it can also make life feel monotonous, leaving us without a sense of fulfillment.

It also can make our unhappy thoughts the ones that are on repeat if we're not careful.

So, it's time to be more careful and aware. :) 

The Role of the Basal Ganglia in Unhappiness

The basal ganglia is a part of your brain that helps form habits.

Initially, when we try something new, our prefrontal cortex is active.

But over time, as things become familiar, the basal ganglia takes over, and we do them automatically.

This can make us feel like we’re just going through the motions especially when we’re not actively engaging with the present moment.

This repetitive cycle may lead to feelings of unhappiness, emotional pain, and a sense that your life is stuck on repeat.

You may not even realize how much of your day is on autopilot until you stop and ask yourself, How did I get here?

But don't worry, you're not stuck in this unhappiness abyss forever.

There are ways to shift this mindset.

5 Strategies to Help You Feel Happier and Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

If you’ve been feeling unhappy and disconnected, try these strategies to begin shifting your mindset and inviting more happiness into your life.

Beware: these tips may help you find your life purpose and enjoy life a bit more. :) 

1. Introduce Novelty into Your Routine

Feel like you're stuck in a rut, and your mood and mental health are taking a toll?

Your brain gets so used to the same things that it becomes a habit and almost impossible to find joy in the ordinary.

One of the most powerful ways to change your emotional state and improve your happiness is by introducing novelty into your routine.

Neuroscience shows that trying new things not only activates different brain areas but also stimulates your emotions and sense of curiosity.

Novel experiences create a fresh perspective, which can help break free from emotional pain, improve your mood and increase overall happiness levels.

Start by changing something small.

You don’t need to make big, drastic changes, but any deviation from the ordinary can reignite excitement in your life.

Whether it’s trying a new hobby, discovering a new type of cuisine, or simply taking a different route to work, these small shifts can give your brain a sense of adventure and break up the monotony that leads to unhappiness.

Here are a few ideas to consider:

  • Try a hobby you’ve never explored before, like pottery or learning a new language. Or if you're feeling spunky, there's always salsa or bachata lessons.
  • Go for a walk in a new park, or plan a short weekend getaway to somewhere you’ve never been.
  • Experiment with cooking meals from different cultures or taking an online course in something you've always been curious about.

The more you mix things up, the more you’ll feel energized and engaged, instead of feeling stuck in a cycle of routine.

FREE Gratitude Masterclass

Have you been feeling frustrated with your life unable to find anything to be grateful for lately?

Are you ready to learn all about gratitude in order to find more joy and raise your vibration?

In this FREE Attitude of Gratitude Masterclass, you'll learn how to fully utilize the power of gratitude in order to bring more fulfillment into your life.  

You'll leave feeling calm, peaceful and connected to yourself in just 45 minutes!

LEARN MORE!

2. Practice Mindfulness & Embrace Your Emotions

One of the most profound tools to shift your mindset is mindfulness.

Often, we don’t even realize how much we’re trapped in negative thought patterns and emotional blocks.

We stay so stuck on what happened in the past that no matter how many physical health and mental health care providers we talk to, we can't shake our feelings of inadequacy.

Mindfulness allows you to become aware of these patterns and, with consistent practice, break free from the mental fog that keeps you stuck. By simply observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you can bring clarity and peace into your life.

Mindfulness also encourages you to embrace the full spectrum of your emotions and brings us a sense of contentment. When we try to push away difficult feelings like sadness, frustration, or fear, we create an inner resistance that only amplifies the unhappiness.

Instead, try accepting your emotions as they come, understanding that they are a natural part of the human experience. It's okay to be sad sometimes. It's just important to have the tools to embrace these feelings of sadness so you can send them on their way instead of amplifying them into depression and anxiety.

By practicing mindfulness, you can break through negative self-talk and rewire your brain for greater emotional freedom.

Simple ways to practice mindfulness:

  • Set aside just 5-10 minutes a day to sit in silence and focus on your breath.
  • Integrate mindfulness into your daily activities, like eating, walking, or even doing the dishes.
  • Start a gratitude practice by writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.

These practices will not only help you manage stress but also build a greater sense of inner peace and joy in your life.

3. Align Your Actions with Your Passions

If you’re feeling unhappy, it may be because you’re living a life that doesn’t align with your true values.

When you’re stuck in a job or routine that feels draining, it’s easy to get caught in negative patterns that suck the joy out of your day-to-day. One way to feel more fulfilled and happy is to align your actions with your passions. Doing so creates a sense of purpose that energizes you and makes life feel more meaningful.

Take time to reflect on what truly lights you up. What brings you joy?

What do you love doing, and how can you integrate more of that into your daily life?

Aligning your work and personal life with what you’re most passionate about helps you reclaim your sense of self, release feelings of stuckness, and shift your energy toward a more vibrant, fulfilling life.

Ways to align with your passions:

  • Set clear, actionable goals related to your personal interests.
  • Find a way to integrate your passions into your work, whether that’s through a side project or by volunteering.
  • Dedicate regular time to doing things you love, even if it's just for an hour a week.

The more you intentionally engage in activities that bring you joy, the less you’ll feel trapped by negative patterns.

Want Intuitive Clairvoyant Guidance?

Torn on what path you should take in your life? 

Feeling like you want to make a big shift in your life, but you're not sure how to get there? 

Need some more guidance and support in how to live a life that feels more fulfilling and aligned? 

I'm here to support you. Book a FREE 1:1 Clarity Call with me to get personalized support on your journey.

BOOK A CLARITY CALL!

4. Build Deeper Connections & Strengthen Your Support System

It’s easy to feel lonely and disconnected when you’re not nurturing relationships that truly matter.

Feeling isolated can amplify feelings of unhappiness and keep you from fully experiencing the richness of life.

As human beings, we thrive when we feel connected to others, and deepening your connections with supportive people can help you feel more fulfilled and joyful.

Surround yourself with people who inspire you, encourage you, and share your values.

These relationships are key to your emotional well-being and can help you maintain a positive outlook, even during tough times. Whether it’s spending time with family, making new friends, or engaging in a community of like-minded individuals, cultivating these relationships will lift you up and help you feel more at peace.

There’s a popular quote by Jim Rohn that says, “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.” If you're constantly surrounded by people who complain or dwell on negativity, it can be incredibly easy to fall into those same patterns.

But when you surround yourself with positive people who inspire success, contentment, and peace, it can completely shift your perspective.

This will make navigating mental health challenges, health conditions, and any bumps in the road much easier, because you’ll have a support system that encourages growth and a mindset of resilience.

To strengthen your support system:

  • Reach out to old friends you haven’t connected with in a while.
  • Join a group or community of people who share your passions, such as a yoga class, book club, or volunteer organization.
  • Be intentional about surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you.

Healthy, meaningful connections are foundational to living a happy and fulfilled life. By investing in these relationships, you'll start to notice a positive shift in how you feel.

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals & Celebrate Progress

When you’re feeling stuck or unhappy, it can be hard to see the bigger picture.

One way to create a sense of accomplishment and positive momentum is by setting small, achievable goals that excite you. These goals don’t have to be huge, life-changing feats; they just need to be steps forward that help you feel more aligned and fulfilled.

Start by setting small goals that are manageable and realistic.

When you achieve them, take time to celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

This sense of accomplishment will build confidence, increase your happiness, and give you the motivation to keep moving forward.

Over time, these small wins will add up and help you shift from a state of unhappiness to one of fulfillment.

Examples of small goals:

  • Set a fitness target, like walking 10,000 steps a day or trying a new yoga class.
  • Plan a weekend getaway to recharge.
  • Dedicate time each week to a creative project you’ve been wanting to pursue.

By breaking down bigger aspirations into small, actionable steps, you’ll start to feel a sense of excitement and accomplishment, which will boost your overall well-being.

Here to Help You Live a Happier Life

Breaking free from autopilot doesn’t necessarily mean quitting your job and moving to Bali (although that’s always an option!).

You can find fulfillment exactly where you are by introducing novelty, practicing mindfulness, aligning your actions with your passions, fostering deep connections, and setting exciting goals.

When you become intentional about how you spend your days, life starts to feel less like an endless loop and more like an adventure.

So take a deep breath, bring yourself back to the present moment, and start making small shifts towards a life that truly lights you up.

Ready to learn how to quiet your inner critic, shift your focus, and get support and guidance in finding your purpose and dream life path?

Let’s work together to create a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.

Book a free clarity call with me today so I can tune into clairvoyant messages and help you figure out the right path for you.

Hi! I'm Nikki. A brain hacking mentor on a mission to help you optimize your mindset to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling and joyous life.

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