I’ll be honest with you. For a long time, I grappled with a sinking feeling of loneliness and a lack of motivation.
It felt like I was stuck in a rut, going through the motions day in, day out, with nothing to look forward to.
You see, loneliness isn’t only about being physically alone. It can creep up on you even when you’re surrounded by people.
And when combined with a lack of motivation, it can make life seem pretty bleak.
But things didn’t stay that way forever.
I stumbled upon a simple solution that changed everything: adopting new evening habits.
I know, it doesn’t sound like much. But trust me, these small changes made a big difference.
In this article, I’m going to share seven simple evening habits that helped me shake off the feelings of loneliness and lack of motivation.
These are habits anyone can adopt, and who knows? They just might change your life too like they did mine.
Let’s dive right in, shall we?
1) Establishing a gratitude ritual
Let me start with this: Gratitude. It’s such a small word but has a massive impact on our mindset.
As part of my new routine, I began to jot down three things I was grateful for every evening before turning in for the night.
It sounds cliché, I know. But here’s the thing.
By focusing on the positive aspects of my day, I gradually shifted my perspective from what was lacking in my life to what was abundant.
And this wasn’t just about material possessions.
Some days, I was just grateful for the warm sunlight streaming through my window, or a kind word from a stranger at the grocery store.
This simple act of expressing daily gratitude helped me realize that even on the loneliest days, there’s always something to be thankful for.
It also gave me something to look forward to each evening – a bright spot in my day!
2) Incorporating physical activity
Okay, confession time. I was never a fitness enthusiast.
The thought of sweating it out in a gym or running laps around a park was never my thing. But remember, we’re talking about small changes here.
I decided to introduce a bit of physical activity into my evening routine.
Nothing strenuous – just a leisurely walk around the neighborhood after dinner.
And guess what? It worked wonders!
Not only did it help me feel less isolated (a simple wave or smile from a neighbor can go a long way), but it also boosted my energy levels and mood, thanks to the endorphins released during exercise.
If you’re like me and not really into hardcore workouts, don’t worry.
Even a short, peaceful walk can make a difference. Trust me on this one.
3) Creating a digital detox zone
Here’s a hard truth: I was addicted to my phone – scrolling mindlessly through social media feeds, binge-watching series after series, and losing myself in the digital world. It was my escape.
But was it helping? Not really.
In fact, it was only amplifying my feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It was time for a change.
I decided to designate a specific time in the evening as my ‘digital detox zone’. This meant no phone, no laptop, no TV – nothing.
Instead, I would read a book, listen to calming music or simply sit in silence, allowing my mind to unwind.
Was it easy? Absolutely not.
Especially during the first few days when the urge to reach for my phone was almost unbearable. But with time, it got easier.
This habit forced me to be present, to engage with my surroundings and my thoughts, rather than numbing them with digital distractions.
And surprisingly, it made me feel less lonely and more at peace with myself.
4) Cultivating a hobby
I always loved painting as a kid. But as I grew older, life happened, and somehow, the paintbrushes got pushed to the back of the cupboard.
In my quest to beat loneliness and find motivation, I decided to rekindle this old passion. I started setting aside some time each evening to lose myself in the world of colors and canvases.
And you know what? It was therapeutic.
Not only did it distract me from the nagging feeling of loneliness, but it also gave me something to look forward to each day.
It made me excited and motivated – feelings that had become strangers to me.
My advice? Find something you love doing – it could be anything, really!
Cooking, gardening, knitting, writing, or even dancing. Dedicate some time to it each evening. It might just help you too!
5) Developing a nighttime routine
This might seem like a no-brainer, but hear me out.
Having a dedicated nighttime routine can actually help improve your sleep quality, and better sleep equals better mood and less feelings of loneliness.
I started winding down each night with a cup of chamomile tea – did you know that chamomile is known for its calming properties and can help you sleep better?
Then, I would dim the lights, play some soft music, and create a peaceful environment to lull me into sleep.
This routine signaled to my body that it was time to rest, improving my sleep patterns over time.
And let me tell you, waking up refreshed and well-rested each morning helped me start the day with a brighter outlook.
6) Reaching out to loved ones
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I’m feeling lonely because I don’t have anyone to reach out to.” I get it.
I’ve been there. But here’s what I did.
I started reaching out to people. Not just anyone, but those who mattered – old friends, family members, even acquaintances who had drifted away over time.
Some nights, it was a simple text message asking how they were doing.
Other times, it was a long phone call catching up on life. And sometimes, it was just me listening to their stories.
And you know what?
In my effort to connect with others, I felt less alone. It reminded me that there were people out there who cared, and that I wasn’t as isolated as I thought.
Don’t be afraid to reach out – you might be surprised by the responses you get.
7) Embracing solitude
This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. The most important habit I developed was learning to embrace my solitude.
I realized that being alone didn’t have to mean being lonely.
I started viewing my alone time as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth, rather than a source of discomfort.
And trust me, this shift in perspective changed everything. I no longer felt the pressing weight of loneliness; instead, I found peace and contentment in my own company.
If there’s one thing you take away from all this, let it be this: Embrace your solitude.
It may just be the key to overcoming feelings of loneliness and lack of motivation.
Embracing the journey
If you’ve been nodding along to these habits, it’s possible you’ve been battling feelings of loneliness and lack of motivation too.
But here’s the silver lining – these feelings don’t have to be a life sentence.
With conscious effort and the adoption of these simple evening habits, you can navigate your way out of this emotional maze.
The key lies in understanding that it’s okay to prioritize your needs and take care of yourself.
Begin by recognizing the moments when loneliness or lack of motivation strikes. Observe how your mind reacts in these situations.
Take note of what makes you feel better.
It’s not about a complete personality overhaul overnight. It’s about making small, manageable changes, one day at a time.
Ask yourself – what can I do tonight that will make me feel better? What small step can I take towards reconnecting with myself?
Is there a habit mentioned above that resonates with me?
Change is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself as you embark on this journey.
Celebrate each small victory. Seek support when needed.
Each step you take is a step closer to transforming your evenings from lonely and unmotivated to enriching and inspiring.
Go ahead, give these habits a try. You might just discover a more contented and motivated version of yourself waiting to emerge.
And remember, you’re not alone on this journey.
