The terms ‘sea change’ and ‘tree change’ certainly aren’t new. They indicate moving away from a big city to escape the grind and find a happier lifestyle. What is relatively new, is that investing in a lifestyle change like this isn’t just a retirement dream. More and more, professionals and families are moving to regional centres that offer fantastic lifestyle benefits, along with affordable housing and excellent infrastructure.
You can change your life for the better, at any time. Here are five signs a lifestyle change might make all the difference to you.
Are you too busy to spend time doing what you love? You might need a lifestyle change.
1. You often complain about where you live
Are you always complaining about the local council, your neighbours, overcrowded shops, gridlocked traffic or a lack of things to do? There is no ‘perfect’ place to live, however, if you find yourself complaining 80 percent of the time about your home base, it’s probably time to move on. Even if it means a longer commute to work, for example, it could be worth it in order to find an area that’s much more suited to your likes and dislikes.
2. Groundhog day is most days
We tend to be creatures of habit, therefore it takes a while to notice that routine has completely taken over our lives.
We tend to be creatures of habit, therefore it takes a while to notice that routine has completely taken over our lives. What usually happens, is that we feel a sense of restlessness and discontent, while wondering, “is this all there is?” If this is you, it’s definitely time for a major lifestyle change. Do something challenging, to breathe new life into routines.
3. You’re not doing much of what you love to do
How often do you think you’ll do something you love, either when you get home from work or on the weekend, only to put it on the backburner? The more you push your passions aside in favour of the ‘busyness’ of life, the less happiness you’ll experience. To change your lifestyle, prioritise your hobbies and interests for constant inspiration.
A sea change might be just what you need for a happier life.
4. Unhealthy habits are creeping in
We’ve all experienced those excessively busy or difficult phases in life, when we’re eating on the run, not exercising and maybe having a few too many wines after work. It happens and it’s perfectly normal. However, it’s not sustainable. If you find you’re always succumbing to unhealthy habits because of life circumstances, it’s time to change them.
5. You’re always stressed and feeling rundown
If your lifestyle is particularly stressful and it’s within your power to change that, why don’t you? Often, it’s simply the fear of the unknown that stops us from moving on from unsatisfying situations. Whether it’s your job, your home or certain people in your life, change is what you need, if you’re always stressed, ill or fatigued.
Invest in a sea change, challenge yourself, prioritize your passions, kick unhealthy habits or do all of the above! What matters is that you recognise the need for a lifestyle change and take action steps to do so.