Living vs. Just Getting by
It may be time to look closer if you feel that you are just going through life in a routine manner without much excitement. Anhedonia is a term that describes a reduced or inability to enjoy or feel pleasure.
Feeling overwhelmed can often be a result of managing your illness or the daily responsibilities that go along with it. Feeling overwhelmed by the daily tasks of going to work, taking care of kids, shopping for groceries, cooking dinner, doing laundry and other responsibilities can make it difficult to cope.
It's not about avoiding all risks, but pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Risking can make you feel alive by releasing dopamine and Oxytocin. Living is key to regaining that feeling of excitement, whether it's in love, petting a cat or dog, visiting a new location, or reaching a goal.
Living vs. Just trying
You may feel like you are living life on autopilot, particularly if you have to deal with chronic illnesses and injuries. You can easily fall into a routine, and go through the motions of your daily life without really enjoying it.
It can be more difficult if you are unable to do the things that you once enjoyed because of a chronic illness or injury. This can leave you feeling hollow, even if you have a successful career, a beautiful house, and a loving, supportive family.
You must make the conscious decision to live and stop existing. It doesn't mean you have to buy a new vehicle or change your diet, although that could help. Zooming out to take a new look at yourself is all it takes. It might be as simple as falling in love with someone, adopting a pet, or setting a new goal for you to experience that rush of oxytocin and dopamine again.
Living vs. Just Getting Better
Stress from everyday life, and the management of health conditions, can wear you out. It is easy to fall into a habit of surviving on autopilot. It is especially common for those with chronic pain because managing the condition can consume a lot of time and energy. While playing it safe may give you comfort, it won't help you to grow. Living life means pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone even when you are scared.
It doesn't take a major change in lifestyle or a large amount of money to break free from the existence trap. You can start by identifying the activities that make you feel alive and then taking more steps to do them. You may be surprised at how much it can improve your mental health.