Ever felt a profound sense of emptiness that you just can’t shake off? It’s a feeling that can be quite hard to pinpoint or explain.

This sensation could be the result of some daily habits you’ve adopted without realizing their impact.

I’m here to suggest that we might be unknowingly shaping our feelings of emptiness by engaging in certain behaviors. And guess what? I’ve identified 8 common habits that might be the culprits.

This article is all about shedding light on these habits, helping you understand their effects and ultimately, guiding you to shape your life in a more fulfilling way. Let’s dive in.

1) Overuse of social media

Let’s start with a habit that has become almost second nature to most of us – our constant use of social media.

While it’s great for staying connected, there’s a darker side to it. Have you ever noticed how you feel after scrolling through endless highlight reels of everyone else’s perfect lives?

According to multiple studies, excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of emptiness and loneliness. It’s a paradox – you’re more connected than ever, but feel more isolated at the same time.

This is due to the phenomenon known as social comparison. When we constantly compare our lives with others’, it’s easy to feel lacking or left out.

The key here is moderation and awareness. Notice how you feel after your social media sessions and adjust accordingly. It might just be one of the ways to reduce that sense of emptiness.

2) Ignoring self-care

This one hits close to home for me. I used to be that person who was always on the go, juggling multiple responsibilities, and putting everyone else’s needs before my own. I thought that by being constantly busy, I was being productive and successful.

But soon, a deep sense of emptiness began to creep in. I started feeling emotionally drained and disconnected from myself.

That’s when I realized that I had been ignoring self-care. I was so focused on taking care of everything and everyone else, that I had forgotten to take care of me.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days, it’s about giving yourself permission to rest, to say no when you need to, and to take time for activities that rejuvenate you.

Once I started prioritizing self-care, I noticed a significant shift in my feelings of emptiness. It took some time and effort, but gradually I started feeling more fulfilled and connected with myself.

3) Lack of creativity

A monotonous routine with little to no creative outlet can lead to feelings of emptiness. Creativity is not just about making art; it’s a way of thinking, a way to express yourself and a fundamental part of our human nature.

Did you know that engaging in creative activities can actually increase your dopamine levels? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that provides feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate us to do, or continue doing, certain activities.

So, whether it’s painting, writing, cooking or even problem-solving, integrating creativity into your routine might just be the antidote to that nagging sense of emptiness. It’s about time we stop underestimating the power of creativity in our lives.

4) Neglecting relationships

Our relationships, whether they’re with friends, family, or romantic partners, play a significant role in our overall sense of well-being and happiness.

When we neglect these relationships, it’s not unusual for feelings of emptiness to emerge. Human beings are social creatures, after all. We thrive on connection and companionship.

Maybe you’ve been prioritizing work over social interactions, or perhaps you’ve been spending too much time alone. Whatever the case may be, it’s essential to remember that meaningful connections fuel our spirits.

So, take some time to reconnect with your loved ones. Have deep conversations, share experiences, and remind yourself of the joy that comes from being in the company of others. You might find that this goes a long way in filling up that emotional void.

5) Living out of alignment with your values

This one is a bit deeper but incredibly crucial. We all have certain values that guide our actions and decisions. They’re our internal compass, the principles we hold dear.

If you’re living a life that’s out of alignment with these values, you might experience a deep sense of emptiness. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; it just doesn’t feel right.

For instance, if you value honesty but find yourself in an environment where dishonesty is common, it can lead to feelings of disconnection and emptiness. Or if you value creativity, but you’re stuck in a job that doesn’t allow you to express that creativity, you might feel unfulfilled.

Take some time to reflect on your values and whether your current lifestyle aligns with them. If it doesn’t, consider what changes you can make to live more authentically. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about living in tune with your core values.

6) Forgetting to live in the present

There was a time when my mind used to be everywhere but in the present. I’d either be agonizing over past mistakes or worrying about the future. As a result, I was missing out on the joy of living in the ‘now.’

This constant state of mental time travel led to an unsettling emptiness. It felt as though I was missing out on my own life.

Mindfulness, or the practice of being fully present in the moment, was what helped me reclaim that lost connection with myself. By focusing on the here and now, I started appreciating the beauty of simple things around me.

If you’re always ruminating about the past or anxiously anticipating the future, consider practicing mindfulness. It could be as simple as consciously focusing on your breath, or truly immersing yourself in a task at hand. Living in the moment can fill you up in ways you might not have imagined.

7) Lack of physical activity

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked when discussing feelings of emptiness – physical activity.

Engaging in regular physical activity has a direct impact on our mental well-being. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, and helps reduce stress and anxiety.

But when we live sedentary lives, glued to our desks or screens most of the time, our mental health can take a hit. The lack of movement and stimulation can lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.

So, why not incorporate some form of physical activity into your routine? It doesn’t have to be a rigorous workout; even a daily walk or some stretching exercises can make a significant difference. Not only will it improve your physical health, but it might also help in filling that emotional void.

8) Failing to recognize your self-worth

At the root of all feelings of emptiness lies one fundamental issue – not recognizing your self-worth.

When you don’t see the value in yourself, when you don’t acknowledge your strengths, accomplishments, and innate worthiness, a sense of emptiness can easily creep in.

Remember, you are enough just as you are. Your worth is not defined by external factors like your job, possessions, or relationships. It’s inherent and unchangeable.

Start embracing and celebrating yourself. Recognize your qualities, accept your flaws, and love yourself wholeheartedly. This self-acceptance and self-love can help fill that deep void of emptiness with contentment and peace.

Final reflection: It’s about self-understanding

As we navigate the complexities of our lives, we often overlook the importance of understanding ourselves. Yet, it is in this self-understanding that we find the keys to filling the void of emptiness.

Remember, habits are powerful. They shape our lives more than we realize. But they aren’t set in stone. They can be changed, modified, and replaced with healthier ones.

These eight habits that we’ve explored could be contributing to your feelings of emptiness. But it’s also important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. What resonates with one person might not hold true for another.

So take some time for self-reflection. Examine your habits, your lifestyle, your values. It’s not about blaming yourself but about understanding what might be causing your emptiness and taking steps towards change.

As Carl Jung once said, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” The journey to filling your emptiness begins with looking inside and understanding yourself better.

May this understanding guide you towards a life filled with more joy, fulfillment, and peace.