Seeking a shift in your life? How to find your flow

People often go through shifts in their lives where they'd like to change careers, re-prioritize themselves, or start a new milestone. These shifts can be essential to healing and growing as a person, but they can also come with missteps, mistakes, and fear. Understanding how to find your flow when you make a change can be beneficial as you adjust to a new area of your life. 

Why do shifts occur?

Life shifts can happen for various reasons. For example, some people may feel they have been giving too much of themselves to others for a long time, and they might realize they want to change this pattern. Other people might realize that they're no longer enjoying their job or they want to pursue higher education. Shifts often occur to prompt growth, motivation, and change.

Tapping into your creative energy and using it as a tool in your quest towards self-discovery can be enhanced by asking yourself what you truly want out of life. The answer to this question can change throughout the years, but keeping updated with your needs can allow you to be in tune with yourself.

Everyone can feel stimulated by different situations, activities, places, or people. Find the solutions in life that electrify you, allowing yourself the independence and leisure that can be the cornerstones of creative and personal success. When you need a change, listen to your body and mind to understand what would benefit you, even if it initially scares you.

How to find your flow

There are many ways that individuals try to find their flow after a life change or a shift in goals, including the following.

Reinvent yourself

Reinventing yourself may be part of finding a flow after a significant life change. Reconnect with yourself and learn more about what you want, who you are, and what you like and dislike. If you're looking for a more significant change, you might also consider traveling, moving abroad, or starting a new life phase, like university. These changes can set the stage for the new you and allow you to come closer to your goals.

Avoid burnout

Many people find they need a shift in life after caring for someone else more than themselves. Although social connection is essential for mental health and well-being, giving too much can be unhealthy and cause compassion fatigue, similar to burnout. Although you can be compassionate and loving, ask yourself what you need to feel at peace.

Finding happiness after burnout can take time and effort. Try not to be discouraged and practice radical acceptance to accept what you cannot change. You can look to others for guidance, but value your own voice as well, as your needs often come from within, not externally. If you need help from someone else, ask for it. Be willing to express your appreciation for the support from whoever is willing to give it. If you receive love graciously, you may feel more ready to give it in return.

Make time for your passions

Look for activities that can bring you joy. Set aside regular time to indulge in your passions. If you're unsure what makes you happy, it can be an opportunity to explore, test the waters, and learn new skills. For example, you could try the following:

• Signing up for a skills class (cooking, baking, writing, etc.) 
• Joining a local writing group
• Joining a local art group 
• Traveling abroad and exploring the culture and interests there 
• Staying at a hostel and going out with new friends
• Signing up for a beginner's music class (orchestra, band, choir, etc.) 
• Signing up for a beginner's sports class (aerial acrobatics, swimming, figure skating, etc.) 
• Signing up for a dance class or attending a dance workout class 
• Going to the gym 
• Visiting the local museums 
• Joining an online group that meets in person in your area
• Going on a meditation or mindfulness retreat 
• Trying spiritual practices or joining a religious congregation (if you want to)

As you explore new activities, you can create a list of your favorites. Even if you don't like one activity, you can tell stories about your time trying it and know more about what you dislike as well.

What does burnout look like?

If you've felt like you've reached the end of your rope, you might be experiencing burnout. Burnout can look like a feeling of exhaustion, knowing that a change is needed but unsure how to take the first step. These feelings can make change seem impossible or scary for many.  

Burnout often involves mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion and may sometimes be a symptom of depression. It might not happen overnight but instead over a prolonged period of multiple challenges. If burnout is not addressed, you may begin to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Signs of burnout can include the following:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability 
• Exhaustion
• Sleep changes 
• Mood swings and sensitivity to unexpected events 
• Deteriorating health
• Distraction
• Struggling to concentrate 
• Feeling resentful
• Substance use 
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Struggling to ask for help

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources.

When experiencing burnout, it can be challenging to understand your symptoms. However, with professional support and lifestyle changes, someone with burnout may be able to change their mindset and find hope for their future.

Counseling support options

You might benefit from counseling if you're experiencing burnout or looking for guidance with a mental health challenge. Talking to a professional counselor can help you develop a solution for any life changes you're looking for, burnout you might be experiencing, or concerns about the future.

If you're struggling to find support in your area or have concerns about affording the cost of traditional therapy, you might benefit from seeing an online therapist. Studies have demonstrated that online therapy can make a positive difference in the lives of those experiencing mental illness. For example, if you have symptoms of anxiety and depression, online therapy can help you manage and reduce them. Online therapy is also more affordable than traditional therapy, and many people express that they are willing to open up more over online mediums than in-person.

If you're interested in taking the first step with an online therapist, you can sign up with an online platform like BetterHelp for guidance. BetterHelp has over 30,000 licensed therapists available to match with, with each specializing in unique challenges. You do not have to have a mental illness to meet with a therapist, either. Anyone may benefit from talking to a counselor for any concern.