There’s a big difference between being truly happy and just going through the motions of life.
The difference comes down to habits. Men who are deeply sad often stop doing certain things that used to bring them joy, without even realizing it.
Recovering happiness, on the other hand, involves recognizing these lost habits and actively reintegrating them into daily life.
Happiness is within reach, and insightful individuals recognize that there are seven key habits that men stop doing when they’re deeply sad.
I’m going to share these seven habits with you here. So if you stop doing them, you can start over and reignite the spark in your life.
1) Stop Seeking Joy
One of the most common traits of deeply sad men is the tendency to stop seeking joy.
Joy and happiness are two powerful driving forces in life. They motivate, inspire, and energize us. When you lose your pursuit of joy, you often find yourself stuck in a rut.
Think of it this way. It’s like the difference between taking a scenic drive and getting stuck in traffic. Both involve a journey, but one provides enjoyment and satisfaction while the other feels like a chore.
When a man feels deeply sad, he often abandons activities, hobbies, or experiences that once brought him joy. Laughter fades, excitement fades, and life becomes a series of tasks rather than a journey to be enjoyed.
Realizing this can be the first step toward regaining happiness. By consciously reintroducing happiness-seeking habits into your life, you can begin to lift the weight of sadness.
But remember, it’s essential to pursue true joy, not just temporary pleasure. The latter can often lead to more sadness if not managed properly.
2) Stop Taking Care of Yourself
Self-care and self-love are central to happiness, and I’ve learned this from my own experience.
A couple of years ago, I went through a rough patch. I was stressed, exhausted, and pretty unhappy. One of the first things to fall by the wayside was my self-care routine.
I stopped going to the gym, my healthy eating habits went out the window, and even basic grooming was too much of an effort. Instead of taking care of myself, I was just living.
I didn’t realize what was happening until a friend pointed out how much I had changed. I was neglecting myself, and it was making me even more miserable.
So, I made a conscious decision to start taking care of myself again. I started with small steps: taking a short walk every day, cooking healthy meals, and making time for self-care.
These steps gradually turned into habits. As my physical health improved, so did my mental health. I felt happier, more energetic, and more confident.
The lesson here? Never underestimate the power of self-care. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good. And when you feel good about yourself, happiness becomes easier to find.
3) Stop connecting with others
Humans are social creatures by nature. We thrive on connection, relationships, and interactions with others. But when a man becomes extremely unhappy, he often withdraws from these social connections.
Whether it’s due to fear, embarrassment, or just feeling overwhelmed, this isolation can increase feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
It’s worth noting that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This takes a toll on both our physical and mental health.
Rebuilding these connections can be difficult, especially when you’re feeling down. But by reaching out to friends, and family, or even seeking professional help, you can begin to rebuild your social networks and boost your overall well-being. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
4) Stop Setting Goals
Setting goals is a powerful tool for motivating and directing our actions. But when a person is extremely unhappy, they often lose sight of their goals or stop setting them altogether.
Without a clear goal or purpose, life can feel like a journey without a purpose. This lack of direction can lead to feelings of frustration, disappointment, and dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, setting and achieving goals can bring tremendous amounts of satisfaction and happiness. Whether it’s something as simple as finishing a book or as important as changing careers, working toward something gives life meaning and purpose.
So if you’ve stopped setting goals, consider picking up the habit again. Start small, set achievable goals, and slowly work your way up. The sense of accomplishment you get from achieving those goals can be the building block for greater happiness.
5) Stop Expressing Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our outlook on life. It shifts our focus from what’s missing in our lives to the abundance that’s already there.
When a man feels very sad, he often stops expressing gratitude. He focuses on the negatives, the things he lacks, or the problems he faces. This negative perspective can deepen feelings of sadness and dissatisfaction.
However, developing the habit of gratitude can greatly improve your mood and happiness. By appreciating what you have, you generate positive feelings and reduce feelings of envy, resentment, and regret.
Try making it a daily habit to write down three things you are grateful for. This small act of appreciation can help shift your focus and bring more joy into your life.
6) Stop Being Kind to Yourself
Often, when a man becomes deeply unhappy, he can become his own harshest critic. His inner dialogue turns negative, and he starts blaming himself for everything that goes wrong.
Being harsh on yourself not only deepens feelings of unhappiness but also erodes self-esteem and confidence.
Remember, everyone makes mistakes, faces failures, and has bad days. It’s part of being human. But it’s especially important, during these times, to be kind to yourself.
Talk to yourself as you would to a dear friend. Be patient, understanding, and forgiving with yourself.
Self-compassion is a powerful tool that can help you get through tough times and bring more happiness into your life. It’s not about ignoring your mistakes but treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to others.
Recognize that you deserve love and respect, especially from yourself. Being kind to yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining mental and emotional health.
7) Stop Taking Risks
There was a time in my life when I was stuck in a rut. I was unhappy, but I was too afraid to make any changes. I was stuck in my comfort zone, afraid of taking risks and potential failure.
However stagnation can lead to dissatisfaction. Life is about growth, change, and taking risks. Without risk, there is little room for growth or new opportunities.
One day, I decided to take a leap of faith. I quit my job and started a new venture. It was scary, and yes, I faced many challenges along the way. But it also brought me new experiences, growth opportunities, and ultimately, more happiness.
Taking risks doesn’t mean making rash decisions. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing change and uncertainty.
If you stop taking risks, consider stepping out and trying something new. It may be hard at first, but it can also lead you down a path to greater happiness.
8) Stop Embracing Failure
Now, this may sound a bit counterintuitive. Ultimately, failure is often seen as a negative thing, something to be avoided at all costs. But hear me out.
When a man is really unhappy, he will often avoid situations where failure is a possibility. But in doing so, he also closes himself off to potential successes.
The truth is, that failure is not the end of the world. It is a valuable learning tool. Every failure brings with it lessons that we can use to improve and grow. By overcoming challenges and learning from our mistakes, we become more resilient and capable.
So, instead of avoiding failure, consider embracing it. View every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. And remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get up and keep moving forward.
9) Stop Living in the Present
When a man is really unhappy, he will often dwell on the past or worry about the future. Constantly looking at the past or the future means that he is not truly living in the present.
Being caught up in regrets from the past or worrying about the future can rob you of your present happiness. It can make you feel stressed, anxious, and unhappy.
On the other hand, paying attention and living in the present can greatly enhance your happiness. It allows you to fully experience and appreciate the present.
Start by taking a few moments each day to focus on your surroundings, your feelings, and your thoughts. This mindfulness practice can help you connect more deeply with the present moment and bring more happiness into your life.
10) Stop Believing in Yourself
When a man is deeply unhappy, he often loses faith in himself. Doubt creeps in, undermining his abilities and distorting his judgment.
However, self-belief is the foundation of happiness and success. Without it, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of negativity and despair.
Believing in yourself doesn’t mean ignoring your flaws or pretending to be perfect. It means acknowledging your strengths, accepting your weaknesses, and having the confidence to follow your dreams despite any obstacles that may come your way.
Remember that you are capable and worthy, and have the power to shape your happiness. Start believing in yourself again, and watch your world begin to change.
Final Thoughts: It’s a Journey
The complexities of human emotions and happiness are intimately intertwined with our habits and actions.
One such connection is the relationship between happiness and the things we stop doing, often without even realizing it.
These habits, while seemingly mundane, can have a profound impact on our state of mind and overall well-being.
Whether it’s taking care of yourself, setting goals, expressing gratitude, or even embracing failure—these actions can serve as the building blocks to reclaiming your happiness.
But remember, it’s not about implementing all of these habits perfectly all at once. It’s about acknowledging their absence and gradually reintroducing them into your life.
Most importantly, it’s about understanding that it’s okay to stumble along the way. After all, the journey to happiness isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
So take a moment, reflect on these points, and ask yourself—what have I stopped doing? And how can I start over? The answers may just lead you down the path to happiness.
