Over the last year, many of us have had to adapt to big changes in our lifestyles. These changes have given us time to pause and reflect on our lifestyle and the world around us. Some people will be happy to return to life as normal, others will want to find a way back that works better for them, and some will want to reinvent their lives entirely. If you do want to change direction in your life, here are some suggestions to get your mind thinking about the life you want to lead.
Study Or Retrain
The majority of us spend a vast amount of our lives in the workplace. If you do not enjoy your work or have outgrown it, then you may need to look for alternatives. Studying can help open up new career directions by expanding your experience and expertise. Studying may also lead to a change in your location which will inevitably change your lifestyle. Look for universities or colleges in a dream destination. If you have always wanted to live in London, for example, there are numerous universities to choose from and thousands of courses. Relocating to comfortable student accommodation in London could be a fantastic way to kickstart a new chapter in your life.
Develop A Passion For A New Hobby
If your commitments tie you to your career or your location, then you may want to look at other aspects of your life for reinvention. It can be easy to squander your free time but with a little motivation, your free time can become a great source of escapism from the other trials and tribulations in your life. Studies have shown that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from mental health issues such as stress, low mood, and depression. Your hobby can be a physical activity or a stimulating craft or cultural pursuit. The options are endless. So, give a few things a try and see what you enjoy.
Travel
Travelling can be done on any budget and at any time of your life. If you want to keep things cheap, then grab a tent and a few train tickets or your bicycle. If you want a more expensive adventure then cruise ships and airplanes can take you anywhere in the world. While many countries have closed borders at the moment, that won’t always be the case. You can still spend this time preparing. But do remember that travel doesn’t need to be abroad. You could head to the countryside closer to home and still find spots of remarkable beauty.
Volunteer
Finally, volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and learn new skills. Similar to a hobby, volunteering has proven mental health benefits. Find something you care passionately about and look around for local charities that may need help. If you don’t match the skillset, still get in touch. Many charities offer training schemes to help build up volunteers. For instance, St John’s Ambulance in the UK will train you in first aid and many animal charities might advise on animal handling. These skills may also look brilliant on a C.V which is an added benefit for long-term life reinvention plans.