Not Happy, But Not Sad Either? What to Do About Feeling Stuck in Neutral
Written By: Taylor Rao
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It’s totally normal to find yourself in a little funk sometimes, whether it’s prompted by a specific event or has been building up inside over time. It could be stress at work, navigating relationships or even for a reason you can’t even explain.
But many of us know what it’s like to be somewhere in the middle when it comes to our daily mood. You’re not happy, but you’re not totally sad, either. And though it doesn’t seem extreme, feeling neutral about everyday life isn’t a state you want to be in for too long –and there are a few small ways to improve your mood and get you back into a more positive place, stat.
Check-in with yourself
First, it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you’re really feeling. It might be difficult to confront those thoughts, but if you’re feeling less than neutral or experiencing low energy, unable to focus or get motivated, or having trouble sleeping, then it might be time to consult a professional about your mental health.
Depression can take on many forms and is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States. In 2020, An estimated 21 million adults in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode. If you’re depressed it’s not something you can “snap out of” it is a very real health concerned that often requires the help of a doctor. If an in-person visit feels difficult, there are online resources like BetterHelp available to connect you to a licensed therapist for a virtual appointment, where you can unpack what’s going on and get the help you need.
Start a fitness routine
Have you ever regretted a workout? Despite the courage it takes to sign up for a spin class, sweat it out solo or search for an exercise routine that fits your vibe, it is so worth it once you’re done and you start to feel a sense of accomplishment. Exercise produces endorphins that make your brain and body feel good, so a good workout really can boost your mood.
What’s also important to note here is that one key word: routine. Having a routine gives you something to look forward to each day, puts you on a schedule and over time, working out will turn into a positive habit where you get that instant lift and check an item off your to-do list each day.
Whether it’s a walk in the park, a yoga class streamed via YouTube or something a little more intense like a HIIT workout, you will start to notice the benefits of moving your body on a regular basis.
Volunteer your time
Sometimes, the best way to stop focusing on yourself is to put your focus on others. If you find yourself unfulfilled with they way you usually spend your days, shake things up and use your time to give back to your community.
Volunteering is a great way to feel fulfilled, meet new people, and make an impact on an organization or within a specific group. If you start to get down during your downtime –like on weekends or a night without plans after work –see if you can spend a few hours at a food pantry, a local animal shelter, visiting the elderly or helping out at a local Boys & Girls Club.
You’d be surprised at how good it can feel to step into a new scenery, put smiles on people’s faces and do something different than what you’d usually do when you’re free. You will be able to learn new things, socialize and contribute to your community all at once!
Dive into a new show or a good book
If part of your neutral-ness comes from scrolling too often on social media and getting caught up in other people’s travels, major life moments or fashion sense, it might feel good to take a break from your phone and dive into some real deal, classic entertainment like a new show you can stream or a book you can settle in with.
While it may not be helpful to stay in your bed all day binge watching a series, TV shows and books can help provide an escape from reality and help you connect with characters, draw parallels to your own life or simply inspire your own sense of adventure if you stream or read something that can transport you to a new place.
Entertainment can also help you connect with others like participating in a book club or watching a show you can talk about with friends on in online forums, you might even be inspired to write your own fan-fiction.
Take up a new hobby
Seriously –take whatever it is you’re learning on TikTok and turn it into your own new passion! Finding joy in a new pleasure, from cooking or baking to learning how to make macramé, can be another energizing activity that will bring satisfaction from creating something with a positive end product.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but have never found the motivation or the time? Do a little research, grab yourself the tools you need and get right to it. Popular these days are things like photography, learning how to organize (sounds weird, but is super rewarding), becoming a master “plant person” and cultivating a small vegetable garden or taking care of succulents and houseplants, or crafting your own jewelry like clay earrings you can wear yourself, gift to friends or even start up a little side hustle and sell.
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