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Guest post by: Terri Levine Become an Author

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Do you ever feel that sometimes your life is dull? One morning you wake up and think, "Oh, what's the use!", and you want to dive under the bed covers and stay there?

Maybe we have a job we don't like but we do it because we need the money. Maybe we've lost contact with friends and we're lonely and bored. Maybe we're workaholics and don't have time for a life. Maybe we don't have a job at all, and maybe nothing interests us... we start to exist, rather than to live.

There are many reasons why the zest goes out of living, but there are some things we can do to put the oomph back.

Oomphy type things needn't cost money. Have you heard the expression: "a change is as good as a holiday"? Even subtle changes to our lifestyle, our surroundings, and our routines can seem exciting and adventurous after weeks, months, and years of stagnation.

Here are some ideas to illustrate:

* Try changing your hair color and hairstyle. Update your wardrobe. If you're used to wearing heavy make up and painting your nails, try going natural. If you're used to the natural style, try a bit of glamour! Do something different with yourself.

* Rearrange your lounge and bedroom furniture. You can give yourself a new living environment without moving residence or spending money on new furnishings... work with what you have.

* Change what you eat for breakfast - or buy yourself a new plate and cup - something fun and 'upbeat' - make breakfast time 'cheery'.

* Change the route you take to work. If this is not practical or realistic for your situation, think about ways in which you can make the journey "different" and enjoyable... have an adventure! You don't have to do it every day... even once a week can be enough to add some color to your everyday existence.

* Don't do the same old 'same old' in your lunch break (you DO have a lunch break, yes?) If you don't, starting now, take one, even if it is only 15 minutes... that will do for a start. If you eat your lunch at your desk, and you tend to work while you eat - STOP! Read something while you eat and then as soon as you've eaten, go out and window shop or do anything for even just 10 to 15 minutes. Get out of the building. Browse through the local stores - anything, as long as it gets you out of the office doing something different.

* Join a group - local choirs, sporting teams, photography groups, linedancing, ballroom dancing (you don't need a partner!), chess groups, writing groups, etc. It is often easier to make new friends when you are on your own. Other people see you by yourself and want to make you feel welcome, whereas if you are already with somebody, they figure you aren't likely to be lonely so they are not always so forthcoming.

* Take up a new hobby. Learn the guitar - doesn't matter how old you are. We know a 50 year old who recently took up the banjo! Take singing lessons. Take up something that is both enjoyable and challenging.

* Become a volunteer. Animal shelters, aged people, special needs children groups always need volunteers. What an easy and excellent way to meet people and give meaning to your own existence as well as helping the less fortunate! But don't just think "charity groups" - your local school may need volunteers for the school canteen. Your local Church may need help organizing fetes. Get the idea?

* "Oomphasize" your job. Study your job and your role in the department. What could you do that would (a) please you to do it and (b) benefit the department? Next, chat to your Manager. If he or she is aware that you wish to spice up your job, take on some new tasks or responsibilities etc., then he/she is in a position to help you do something about it. If you never say anything, management will never know and nothing will ever be done. Management may have no helpful ideas and this is why YOU do some research yourself so YOU can tell THEM what would benefit your position and the department.

* If you are in a factory line doing repetitive, mundane tasks, why not ask your supervisor if you could take turns training in different positions and spending some time in different areas - not only will this give you a break from the regular monotony of your own job, but you can point out that doing this will mean the department always has backup support.

* If YOU are the Manager and YOU are feeling dull, you can consider hiring a Career Coach. What can YOU do to liven up your own role? Is it time for a change? Would going back to night school to refresh or learn new skills aid you in getting on in your chosen field or perhaps trying something different?

* Ensure you make the most of your leisure moments. When was the last time you went fishing or camping? Hung out with friends? Did something special with your family? Make the most of your weekends... don't take work home with you. If you must work weekends every weekend, then clearly you are being given too much for just one person... look around. To whom can you delegate? If you cannot do anything about it and to speak up might jeopardize your position/future prospects, then you are being used. The question then becomes one of how long you can put up with that before you crack up.

Workaholics are so busy, they aren't even aware their life lacks oomph! One secret to living life to the fullest and enjoying oomphy days is simply to enjoy today... enjoy the moment.

Ensure that the things you do and experience in your Present, are things that really matter to you. Don't waste these precious present moments doing things that other people think you should do. Their perspective is only appropriate to themselves. Set the goals that are best for you.

Look upon each day as a precious gift. You are not here to race through the days as quickly as possible, skimming over the details. You are here to experience each step of your life's journey, to learn from it, to savor it, to enjoy it. Yesterday is too late; tomorrow isn't here yet... you only have today. So put some oomph into it!

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