How to Feel Like Yourself Again: 8 Tips and Strategies for Reclaiming Your Identity

First, forgive yourself

One of the most challenging aspects of feeling like yourself again is forgiving yourself for past mistakes and shortcomings. Whether it’s a small mistake or a significant wrongdoing, it’s essential to learn how to forgive yourself to move forward. Here are some tips to help you forgive yourself:

• Acknowledge your feelings: It’s natural to feel guilty or ashamed after making a mistake. Instead of pushing these feelings aside, acknowledge them. Allow yourself to feel the emotions and accept that it’s okay to make mistakes.
• Take responsibility: Owning up to your mistakes is a crucial step in forgiving yourself. Take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge the impact they may have had on others.
• Learn from your mistakes: Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, use them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Identify what went wrong and what you could have done differently. Use this knowledge to make better choices in the future.
• Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you would offer to a friend. Avoid being self-critical and instead practice self-compassion. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and it’s okay to be imperfect.
• Express remorse: If your mistake has hurt someone else, it’s essential to express remorse. Apologize sincerely and make amends where possible. This can help you move forward and repair damaged relationships.
• Let go of the past: Holding onto past mistakes can prevent you from moving forward and feeling like yourself again. Learn to let go of the past and focus on the present moment. This can help you feel more positive and optimistic about the future.

Forgiving yourself is not always easy, but it’s an essential step in feeling like yourself again. By acknowledging your feelings, taking responsibility, learning from your mistakes, and being kind to yourself, you can begin to move forward and let go of the past.

Consider Journaling

One way to help yourself feel like yourself again is to start journaling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process them and gain a better understanding of yourself.

Here are some tips for starting a journal:

• Choose a time and place where you can write without distractions. This could be in the morning, before bed, or during your lunch break.
• Write freely without worrying about grammar or spelling. You can always go back and edit later if you want to.
• Try to write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help you establish a habit and make it easier to stick with.
• Use prompts if you’re not sure what to write about. There are many resources online with journaling prompts, or you can use the ones provided in the search results above.
• Reflect on your writing periodically. Look for patterns or themes that emerge, and use this information to gain insight into yourself.

By journaling regularly, you may find that you feel more in touch with yourself and your emotions. This can help you feel more like yourself again and regain a sense of control over your life.

Do the Things You Love

One of the best ways to feel like yourself again is to do the things you love. When you engage in activities that bring you joy, you’re more likely to feel energized, fulfilled, and content. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Make a list of things you love: Start by making a list of all the things you love to do. It could be anything from reading a book to hiking in the mountains. Write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how big or small.
• Schedule time for your favorite activities: Once you have your list, schedule time for your favorite activities. Make them a priority in your schedule and stick to them. Even if you only have a few minutes, do something you love every day.
• Do it with others: Doing the things you love with others can be even more enjoyable. Join a club or group that shares your interests. You’ll meet new people and have fun doing what you love together.
• Be present: When you’re doing the things you love, be present in the moment. Don’t worry about the past or the future. Focus on what you’re doing right now and enjoy it to the fullest.

Remember, doing the things you love is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s important to take time for yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy. By doing so, you’ll feel more like yourself and be better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Meditate

Meditation is a powerful tool that can help you feel like yourself again. It can help you relax, reduce stress, and improve your emotional and physical well-being. Here are some tips to help you get started with meditation:

• Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without distractions.
• Set a timer for 5-10 minutes to start with, and gradually increase the duration as you get more comfortable with the practice.
• Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Breathe deeply and slowly, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
• If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to your breath. Don’t judge yourself or get frustrated, just acknowledge the thought and let it go.
• You can also use a mantra or visualization to help you focus your mind. Repeat a word or phrase that has meaning to you, or visualize a peaceful scene or object.
• Don’t worry about getting it “right” or achieving a certain state of mind. Meditation is a practice, and the benefits come from simply doing it regularly.

Meditation can be a great way to take a break from the stress and busyness of daily life, and to connect with your inner self. Give it a try and see how it can help you feel like yourself again.

Move Your Body

When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to motivate yourself to get moving. However, moving your body can help improve your mood and make you feel more like yourself again. Here are some ways you can incorporate movement into your day:

• Dance around in your home: Put on your favorite music and let loose. Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up and release endorphins, which can improve your mood.
• Do some easy and light stretching: Stretching can help relieve tension in your body and improve your flexibility. You don’t need to be a yoga expert to reap the benefits of stretching. Try some simple stretches like touching your toes or reaching for the sky.
• Take a short walk: Getting outside and breathing in fresh air can help you feel more energized. Even a short walk around the block can help clear your mind and improve your mood.
• Try a low-impact workout: If you’re feeling up for it, try a low-impact workout like swimming or cycling. These types of exercises can help you get your heart rate up without putting too much strain on your body.
• Play with a friend: Tossing a ball or playing a game with a friend can be a fun way to get moving and improve your mood at the same time.

Remember, the goal isn’t to push yourself to the limit or achieve a certain level of fitness. The goal is simply to move your body in a way that feels good to you.

Here’s a video sharing how to workout when you dont feel it:

Spend Quality Time with Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but it’s important to take a step back and spend quality time with yourself. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Set aside time for yourself: Schedule time in your calendar for yourself, just like you would for any other appointment. This could be as simple as taking a walk outside or reading a book.
• Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to meditate or simply focus on your breathing. This can help you feel more grounded and present in the moment.
• Do something you enjoy: Whether it’s painting, cooking, or playing an instrument, make time for activities that bring you joy. This can help you reconnect with yourself and your passions.
• Try something new alone: Step outside of your comfort zone and try something you’ve never done before. This can help you discover new interests and expand your horizons.

Remember, spending quality time with yourself doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference in how you feel. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy some well-deserved “me time.”

Opt for some self-care

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or out of sorts, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. However, taking care of yourself is essential to feeling like yourself again. Here are some self-care practices that can help you recharge and feel better:

• Do things you enjoy that make you feel fulfilled: Identify activities that bring you joy and make time to do them. Whether it’s reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath, or spending time with friends, these activities can help restore your sense of well-being.
• Take care of yourself: Mentally, physically, and emotionally. Eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly to stay healthy and energized.
• Take time just for yourself: Make sure you take the time for yourself to do things that make you feel good like getting a massage, a facial, or having a spa day.

Remember, self-care is not selfish. Taking care of yourself is essential to your well-being and can help you feel like yourself again.

Spend Time in Nature

When you’re feeling lost, disconnected, or out of touch with yourself, spending time in nature can be a powerful way to reconnect with your true self. Here are some reasons why:

• Nature is grounding. When you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed, it’s easy to get caught up in your thoughts and emotions. Spending time in nature can help you feel more grounded and centered. You can take off your shoes and feel the earth under your feet, or simply sit and observe the natural world around you. This can help you feel more present and connected to your body.
• Nature is calming. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can have a calming effect on your nervous system. Research has shown that spending time in nature can lower your heart rate, reduce your cortisol levels (the hormone associated with stress), and improve your mood.
• Nature is rejuvenating. When you’re feeling depleted or burned out, spending time in nature can help you recharge your batteries. Being in a natural environment can help you feel more energized and alive. You can go for a hike, take a swim, or simply sit and soak up the sun. This can help you feel more refreshed and ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
• Nature is perspective-shifting. When you’re feeling stuck or trapped in your own thoughts and feelings, spending time in nature can help you gain a new perspective. You can see the world from a different angle, observe the interconnectedness of all things, and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. This can help you feel more open-minded, curious, and inspired.

So if you’re feeling like you’ve lost touch with your true self, try spending some time in nature and check in with yourself. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or a swim in the ocean, getting out into the natural world can be a powerful way to reconnect with your innermost self.

Understand the Problem & Identify Causes

Feeling like you don’t know who you are can be a disorienting and frustrating experience. It can make it hard to make decisions, form relationships, and feel confident in yourself. But you’re not alone. Many people go through periods of identity crisis, and there are ways to work through it.

One cause of feeling like you don’t know who you are is a lack of self-awareness. You may have spent so much time trying to fit in with others or meet their expectations that you haven’t taken the time to understand your own values, beliefs, and desires. Another cause could be a major life change, such as a breakup, job loss, or move. These events can shake up your sense of identity and leave you feeling lost.

It’s also possible that you’ve been trying to live up to unrealistic expectations, either from others or from yourself. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a sense that you’re not living up to your potential. Alternatively, you may have been through a traumatic experience that has left you feeling disconnected from yourself.

Whatever the cause, it’s important to take the time to understand what’s going on and why you’re feeling this way. This can involve reflecting on your past experiences, talking to a therapist or trusted friend, or seeking out resources to help you gain a better understanding of yourself.

Self-awareness questions to ask yourself:

• What are my core values and beliefs?
• What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• What do I enjoy doing?
• What are my goals for the future?
• What kind of person do I want to be?

By taking the time to reflect on these questions and others like them, you can start to gain a better understanding of who you are and what’s important to you. This can help you start to feel more like yourself again and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

Speak Kindly to Yourself

One of the most important things you can do when trying to feel like yourself again is to speak kindly to yourself. Negative self-talk can be incredibly damaging to your self-esteem and overall well-being. Here are a few tips to help you speak kindly to yourself:

• Be aware of your self-talk: The first step to speaking kindly to yourself is to be aware of your self-talk. Pay attention to the things you say to yourself throughout the day. If you notice that you are being overly critical or negative, try to reframe those thoughts in a more positive or realistic way.
• Treat yourself with kindness: People who feel like they have lost themselves often engage in negative thinking and self-talk. Instead, focus on treating yourself with kindness. When you notice negative self-talk, look for ways that you can reframe those thoughts in a more positive or realistic way.
• Practice self-compassion: Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a good friend. When you are feeling down or struggling, try to offer yourself words of encouragement and support.
• Use positive affirmations: Positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for changing your self-talk. Try repeating positive affirmations to yourself throughout the day, such as “I am capable and strong” or “I am worthy of love and respect.”
• Surround yourself with positivity: Surrounding yourself with positivity can also help you speak kindly to yourself. Spend time with people who uplift and support you, and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself.

By speaking kindly to yourself, you can begin to shift your mindset and feel more like yourself again. Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself as you work to change your self-talk.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for feeling like yourself again. Sleep is when your body and mind recharge and recover from the day’s activities. Without enough sleep, you may feel irritable, sluggish, and unable to focus. Here are some tips to help you get the sleep you need:

• Set a consistent sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
• Create a relaxing sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Use comfortable bedding and pillows to help you feel cozy and relaxed.
• Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle. Try to avoid using phones, tablets, or computers for at least an hour before bed.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try to avoid consuming these substances in the hours leading up to bedtime.

By following these tips, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, helping you feel like yourself again.

Read: My peaceful night routine

Leave Your Comfort Zone

If you’re feeling stuck or lost, it might be time to leave your comfort zone. Stepping outside of your usual routine can help you gain a fresh perspective and discover new things about yourself. Here are a few tips to help you leave your comfort zone:

• Identify your comfort zone: Before you can leave your comfort zone, you need to know what it is. Take some time to reflect on your daily habits and routines. What do you do every day without even thinking about it? What makes you feel safe and secure? Once you’ve identified your comfort zone, you can start to think about ways to step outside of it.
• Start small: You don’t have to make a huge change all at once. Start with something small, like trying a new type of food or taking a different route to work. As you get more comfortable with small changes, you can start to tackle bigger ones.
• Embrace discomfort: Leaving your comfort zone can be uncomfortable, but that’s okay. Embrace the discomfort and see it as a sign that you’re growing and learning. Remember that discomfort is temporary and that you’ll come out stronger on the other side.
• Set goals: Setting goals can help you stay focused and motivated. Think about what you want to achieve by leaving your comfort zone. Do you want to learn a new skill? Meet new people? Travel to a new place? Whatever your goals are, write them down and make a plan to achieve them.

Leaving your comfort zone can be scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By stepping outside of your usual routine, you can discover new things about yourself and grow as a person. So take a deep breath, embrace the discomfort, and start exploring the world outside of your comfort zone.

Learn New Skills

One way to feel like yourself again is to learn new skills. Whether it’s a new language, a musical instrument, or a hobby, learning something new can help you feel more confident and give you a sense of purpose.

When you learn a new skill, you challenge yourself and push yourself out of your comfort zone. This can help you develop a growth mindset and build resilience. It can also help you feel more engaged with the world around you.

Learning new skills can also be a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle. Joining a class or a group can be a fun way to learn and connect with others who share your interests.

If you’re not sure where to start, think about what interests you or what you’ve always wanted to try. You can also consider taking an online course or watching tutorials on YouTube to get started.

One of my favorite ways to learn new skills is with SkillShare, which has an abundance of courses taught by experts. Click here for a free month of skillshare.

Remember, learning a new skill takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. With dedication and effort, you can develop new skills and feel more like yourself again.

Rekindle Past Friendships

One way to feel like yourself again is to rekindle past friendships. Old friends can remind you of the person you used to be and help you reconnect with parts of yourself that might have become suppressed over the years. Here are some tips for reconnecting with old friends:

• Reach out: Don’t be afraid to reach out to old friends. You can start by sending a simple message or email asking how they’re doing and if they’d like to catch up. Remember that it’s okay if they don’t want to reconnect, and you can always try reaching out to other old friends or work on starting new friendships.
• Plan a get-together: If your old friend is open to reconnecting, plan a get-together. You can meet up for coffee, lunch, or even a virtual hangout. It’s a great way to catch up and reminisce about old times.
• Be open and honest: When you reconnect with your old friend, be open and honest about how you’re feeling. Share what’s been going on in your life and ask them about theirs. It’s a good way to deepen your connection and show that you value their friendship.
• Set boundaries: If you’re worried about feeling overwhelmed or anxious about reconnecting with an old friend, set boundaries. You can start by scheduling shorter get-togethers or limiting the amount of time you spend talking about the past.

Read: How to rekindle an old friendship

Rekindling past friendships can be a great way to feel like yourself again and reconnect with parts of yourself that you might have lost touch with over the years. So don’t be afraid to reach out and see where it takes you.

Try Something New

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, trying something new can be a great way to break out of it and start feeling like yourself again. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Take a class: Learning something new can be a great way to challenge yourself and boost your confidence. Consider taking a class in something you’ve always been interested in, whether it’s cooking, painting, or a new language.
• Get outside: Spending time in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating. Try going for a hike, visiting a local park, or taking a walk around your neighborhood.
• Meet new people: Sometimes, all it takes to feel like yourself again is to connect with new people. Consider joining a club or group that aligns with your interests or attending a networking event in your field.
• Try a new hobby: Exploring a new hobby can be a great way to find joy and fulfillment in your free time. Whether it’s knitting, gardening, or playing an instrument, find something that excites you and give it a try.

Remember, trying something new doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. Even small changes can make a big difference in how you feel. So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new today.

Write a Letter to Your Future Self

One way to feel like yourself again is to take a moment to reflect on your past and future. Writing a letter to your future self is a great way to do this. It allows you to capture your current thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and then revisit them at a later time.

To write a letter to your future self, start by finding a quiet place where you can focus. Think about where you are in your life right now and what you hope to achieve in the future. Consider what you want to say to your future self and how you want to say it.

When writing your letter, be sure to include a date and provide context for your future self. This can serve as a reminder of where you were at the time of writing. You may also want to include a summary of what’s happening in your life, such as major events or accomplishments.

As you write, consider addressing your future self in a positive and encouraging way. Imagine that you are writing to your future happier self, reminding them of all the good things in their life and encouraging them to keep going.

Once you’ve finished writing your letter, seal it in an envelope and put it in a safe place. You can choose to open it at a specific time in the future, such as on a milestone birthday or at the end of a significant period in your life.

Remember that writing a letter to your future self is a personal experience, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. The important thing is to take the time to reflect on your life and express your hopes and dreams for the future.

Reconsider Your Career and Current Relationships

If you’re feeling lost and disconnected from yourself, it may be time to take a closer look at your career and relationships. These two areas of your life can have a significant impact on your happiness and sense of self.

Consider your current career path. Are you happy with your job? Do you feel fulfilled and challenged? If not, it may be time to reevaluate your career goals and make a change. This can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that it’s never too late to start over.

Start by identifying your passions and interests. What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at? Once you have a better understanding of your strengths and interests, you can begin exploring new career paths that align with your values and goals.

In addition to your career, take a closer look at your current relationships. Are you surrounded by people who support and uplift you? Or are you surrounded by negativity and toxicity?

It’s important to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and support your personal growth. This may mean letting go of toxic relationships and seeking out new connections that align with your values and goals.

Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and reassess your life. By reconsidering your career and relationships, you can gain a better understanding of yourself and what truly matters to you.

Consult a Therapist or Coach

If you’re struggling to feel like yourself again, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a therapist or coach. These professionals can provide you with the support, tools, and strategies you need to work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your feelings of disconnection or dissatisfaction.

Therapists and coaches can help you identify negative thought patterns or behaviors that may be holding you back, and work with you to develop more positive habits and coping mechanisms. They can also provide you with a safe and supportive environment to explore your emotions and feelings, and help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs.

When choosing a therapist or coach, it’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who has experience working with individuals who are struggling with similar issues. You may want to consider seeking out a therapist or coach who specializes in areas such as self-esteem, identity, or personal growth.

Keep in mind that therapy or coaching is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may take some time to find the right fit for you. However, with the right support and guidance, you can begin to feel more confident, connected, and like yourself again.

Take Responsibility, Then Take Action

When you don’t feel like yourself, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of blame and excuses. However, taking responsibility for your life is the first step to feeling like yourself again. This means acknowledging that you have the power to change your circumstances and that your actions have consequences.

Start by identifying the areas of your life that you feel are out of your control. It could be your job, your relationships, or your health. Once you have identified these areas, ask yourself how you can take responsibility for them. This might mean setting boundaries, seeking help, or making changes to your lifestyle.

Once you have taken responsibility, it’s time to take action. This means setting goals and making a plan to achieve them. Start by breaking down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to track your progress.

It’s important to remember that taking action doesn’t always mean taking big, dramatic steps. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. For example, if you want to improve your health, start by making small changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Finally, hold yourself accountable for your actions. This means being honest with yourself about your progress and making adjustments as necessary. Remember, taking responsibility and taking action are ongoing processes. It’s okay to make mistakes and to fall off track. The important thing is to keep moving forward and to never give up on yourself.

Feeling like yourself again can be a challenging process, but it’s essential for your mental and emotional well-being. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you can begin to take steps toward rediscovering your authentic self.