Freedom can mean several things, depending on who you ask. Often associated with the ability and right to speak, think, and act as one wants, being free comes in many different forms and functions. It’s different for everyone, yet it’s something that’s ingrained in the lives of United States citizens, though not everyone comprehends it the same. Sadly, many of us don’t feel that conventional life offers us true freedom.
We come to find that we don’t feel free in our daily lives. This is due to numerous factors. It could be because you live in one of the major cities around the United States and lack an abundance of land to call your own. Perhaps you’re part of the fellowship of business travelers and feel like you never get to enjoy your home. You’re just constantly going. Perhaps the opposite is true. You want to be constantly traveling and not confined to a certain area.
Conventional life wasn’t easy before 2020, and it certainly isn’t easy with COVID-19. So much of our lives are dedicated to stressing over the latest press release or what the new year will bring. Consumerism also has us desiring things we really don’t need, keeping our satisfaction levels low. Fortunately, there are ways to break out of these mundane cycles that don’t bring us happiness, even when faced with a pandemic.
De-stress.
This one is a great way to get motivated for many of the other tips on this list. That’s because there’s a good chance you suffer from high to extreme stress. Nearly 33% of Americans do. Sadly, nearly half of the American population feel their stress has increased in the last five years. This is becoming a mainstay of your daily life. Stress is more common than relaxation.
How do you break out of the high anxiety-riddled days you’re used to? Start with one of the finer things in life—a spa. These establishments are designed to induce relaxation. They encourage you to leave stress at the door. And though most Americans either don’t seek these houses of rejuvenation, a Day Spa can jump-start your transcendence to a life of happiness. Working on your mental health through lowering anxiety, while also working on how your body feels with a facial, can all be done at a day spa. Don’t view self-care as an afterthought. It’s important to treat yourself when you can.
De-stressing can also come in the form of taking a simple walk. Seek out a walking trail near you, and leave your cell phone at home. Allow your mind to just enjoy the environment. Simple walking also has several benefits to it besides just lowering your stress levels.
Constantly Learn.
At some point in your life, you may feel that you’ve become too old to learn. You place mental barriers on your ability to seek your academic goals. Whether that would be going to law school at 30 or pursuing an undergraduate degree, you may stop believing you’re capable of learning. Contrary to that popular belief, there isn’t a set time frame by which you need to attend law school. Scholarships don’t disappear after you reach a certain age, and you can still get accepted if you aren’t in your 20s.
This doesn’t have to be in the format of a formal education either. You could take up the hobby of reading. Challenge yourself to read a book per month. Seek out topics that you know little about. With so many people turning to a laptop or smartphone for answers, you’ll be using an antiquated way of learning. Don’t worry, you’ll still learn, and reading on paper can actually help your retention.
Becoming a life-long, or at least older, learner can help you break the mold of conventional life. While others became set in the traditions of when to attend school, you realized there isn’t a “right” time. Keep striving for your academic goals. You’re never too old to change direction.
Travel.
Americans don’t travel as much as they should. In a study conducted by Forbes, it found that 1 in 10 Americans never leave the state they were born in. About two in five have traveled to less than 10 of the 50 states. Expanding on that, nearly half never leave the country. Many Americans are homebodies that don’t experience what the world has to offer. Travel can be a great way to live an unconventional life.
The 21st century, and all of its networking technology, has made it easier than ever for people to work from just about anywhere on the planet. As long as you can get a decent Wi-Fi connection, that is. If you’re working a job that allows a constant work-from-home situation, you might want to consider switching cites frequently with a string of short term rentals.
You get to keep working the job you like, but your ability to explore becomes exponentially greater. There are plenty of companies that offer an array of short term stays across the country. Think about it; you could grab one of the short term furnished rentals in Denver and then be able to explore the surrounding area as well. Check out some of the local breweries in Boulder, or visit scenic Colorado Springs. When you’re ready, why not check out of Denver Co and then head to the west coast or SoCal?
If you can’t work on the road, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore the Rocky Mountains. Use that vacation time you have, work on de-stressing, and don’t be one of those people who never leave your home state. There are numerous vacation rentals out there waiting to house you on your great explorations. There’s nowhere that you should feel isn’t available to you.
Be you.
This is probably one of the simplest ways to live without constraints, yet the most difficult to truly accomplish. That’s mainly because we often feel like an accessory to our lifestyle. The world is telling you how to live instead of you living and being in the world as your own person. You conform to what designers tell you your outfits should be. You seek the jewelry from Jared’s or Zales. You’re told so often about the person you need to be and not the person you want to be.
Stop listening to the outside interference, and start listening to your own inner voice.
Many people take this as following their zodiac. Astrology suggests that there are some distinct differences between an Aries and Libra or a Virgo and a Gemini. Researching your zodiac sign is a great way to start understanding who you are. If you still need someone to tell you how to fill out your wardrobe, there are Zodiac sign outfits that offer insight into that as well.
Of course, being you isn’t all about astrology. Listen to the music you want to. Work the odd hours you enjoy. Don’t compromise who you are to please others. Seek the things that bring joy in your life, and do those things.
Ultimately, you’ll want to consider the mundane aspects of your life. Look at what you feel is ordinary and boring, and try to reshape those through integrating vibrant new experiences into your world.
