Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions of life, with each day blending into the next?

Many of us fall into routines that can dull our senses and leave us feeling disconnected from what really matters.

Living on autopilot might feel comfortable but it’s not the way to a fulfilling life.

By identifying and saying goodbye to eight unhealthy habits, you can shift from autopilot to a more intentional, vibrant way of living.

Read on to reclaim your days and infuse them with purpose!

1) Mindless scrolling

We’ve all been there.

Idle time and you reach for your phone, mindlessly scrolling through the endless feed of social media or news.

It’s an automatic response, a habit we’ve cultivated without even realizing it.

But here’s the thing – this autopilot habit is robbing us of our time and mental energy.

Sure, staying informed and connected is important, but mindless scrolling?

That’s just wasting valuable minutes, even hours, of our day that could be better spent elsewhere.

So let’s kick this habit to the curb.

Instead of reaching for your phone the next time you have a free moment, why not reach for a book? Or better yet, take a moment to just be present in the world around you.

2) Skipping breakfast

I’ll admit it, this was a tough habit for me to break.

My mornings used to be a whirlwind. Wake up, get ready, and rush out the door without a second thought for breakfast.

I convinced myself that I was saving time, that I could just eat later.

But here’s the thing – skipping breakfast was putting me on autopilot mode. My energy levels would drop mid-morning and I’d find myself struggling to focus.

So, I made a change. I started waking up just 15 minutes earlier to give myself time for a quick, healthy breakfast.

The difference was astounding. My energy levels were stable throughout the day and my focus improved immensely.

If you’re like me and often skip breakfast in the rush of the morning, try making this small change. Trust me, it’s worth it.

3) Neglecting exercise

We all know that exercise is good for us. It boosts our mood, improves our physical health, and can even help us sleep better at night.

But did you know that exercise also plays a crucial role in breaking the cycle of living on autopilot?

Research has shown that regular physical activity helps stimulate brain regions involved in memory and learning. This means that a simple walk or workout can actually help you be more present and engaged in your daily life.

So if you’ve been neglecting exercise, it’s time to make a change. Incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block. 

4) Living in the past or future

This is a big one. Many of us spend our time dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future uncertainties. This can cause us to live our lives on autopilot, constantly looking backwards or forwards, but never in the present.

But here’s a little wisdom from Buddhism: The only moment we have is the present moment.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into this concept in detail. I explain how by focusing on the present moment, we can learn to let go of past regrets and future anxieties, living with more peace and contentment.

This is easier said than done, of course. But with practice, we can cultivate mindfulness and start to live more fully in the present.

So if you’re often stuck in the past or fretting about the future, try to catch yourself. Bring yourself back to the present moment, engage with your surroundings and truly experience each moment as it comes.

And if you’re interested in learning more about this concept and other insights from Buddhism, check out my book. It’s packed with practical advice on how to apply these timeless teachings to your everyday life.

5) Neglecting self-care

I’ve been there, working long hours, juggling responsibilities, and trying to be everything to everyone.

In the midst of all this, I forgot about the most important person – myself.

Neglecting self-care is a slippery slope. It starts with skipping a meal, sacrificing sleep, or ignoring your emotional health.

Soon, it becomes a habit and you’re running on autopilot, just trying to get through the day.

But here’s what I learned – you can’t pour from an empty cup. 

So, take a step back and evaluate.

Are you taking care of yourself? Are you prioritizing your physical and emotional health?

If not, it’s time for a change.

6) Avoiding discomfort

It’s human nature to avoid discomfort. We often choose the path of least resistance, sticking to our comfort zones and routines.

But here’s the irony – this very habit could be putting us on autopilot mode.

Avoiding discomfort means avoiding growth.

When we face challenges head-on, we learn, we adapt, and we grow. And that’s anything but autopilot.

So next time you find yourself shying away from a difficult situation or a challenging task, pause. Dare to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort and see it as an opportunity for growth.

Seeking discomfort could be the key to breaking out of autopilot and truly experiencing life.

7) Multitasking

In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking seems like a necessity. We juggle multiple tasks at once, thinking it’s making us more efficient.

But here’s the reality – multitasking often leads us to autopilot mode.

When we split our attention, we’re not fully present in any of our tasks. We’re just going through the motions without truly engaging.

Research shows that switching between tasks can decrease productivity by up to 40%.

So, instead of multitasking, try focusing on one task at a time.

Give it your full attention, see it through to completion, then move on to the next task.

This approach not only improves productivity but also allows us to be more present and engaged in what we’re doing.

8) Ignoring your passions

This is perhaps the most important habit to let go of if you’re stuck on autopilot – ignoring your passions.

Your passions are what make you feel alive, engaged, and truly present. When you pursue what you love, there’s no room for autopilot.

Life is too short to spend it doing things that don’t light you up.

So take the time to explore your passions and make them a part of your daily life. It could be painting, writing, hiking, dancing – anything that brings joy to your heart.

When you start living in alignment with your passions, you’ll find that autopilot mode naturally fades away. And in its place comes a life filled with joy, purpose, and presence. 

In conclusion: It’s about choices

Breaking free from the monotony of everyday life requires awareness and intentionality.

By recognizing and letting go of these eight habits, you can shift from operating on autopilot to embracing a more engaged and fulfilling existence.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I discuss how mindfulness and intentional living can help us break free from autopilot mode.

The insights will inspire you to start taking the small steps required to reconnect with yourself, your passions, and the world around you.