5 ways to make your life more meaningful

7/8/2019

Do you feel like something's been missing in your life? Are you tired of wasting time in the rat race? As a graduate student, it's easy to get bogged down in minutiae of your tasks, feel overwhelmed by never-ending projects, or with unrealistic deadlines. Balancing work and life is important - but what are you going to do during that "life" part?

Image by lisa runnels from Pixabay

figure out what's important to you

What's important to you? That's where you want to start to bring more meaning to your life.
What really matters? Is it your family? Animals? Honesty? Singing? These things don't have to become a career - just think of what's important to you. You can incorporate these things into your life in different ways.

You could set a monthly "family date" to spend more time with your loved ones, or volunteer to walk dogs at the local shelter. Set personal goals to be your most honest and authentic self every day, or join a local choir to make singing a regular part of your life.

start pursuing a passion

You may be passionate about something that you've never had the confidence to try.

Maybe a passion that you've buried deep down, too afraid or hesitant to admit it to anyone or even yourself? For some, it may be performing as a comedian or actor. For others, it might be writing a book, or even a memoir. It might be web design.

Whatever it is, start pursuing it now! There are videos and tutorials online - get a feel with free resources before spending money. Look for local acting groups (hello, improv!) or stand up nights. Have a friend who needs a website? Offer to design it for them!

spend more on experiences

Rather than buying more stuff, spend your money on experiences. You'll build connections with people you love and meet new people. You'll grow as a person as you expose yourself to new situations and start crossing items off of your bucket list.

work on improving yourself

Be purposeful about maintaining self awareness - it's key to a meaningful life! After all, how can you know what is important to you if you don't look within to see?

Live each day more mindfully than the last. Would you benefit from time at a sober living community? A silent retreat? Listen to a self-development podcast each day on the way to work? Whatever it is, spend a little time on improving yourself every day.