Mind & Mood
10 ways to find purpose in life
Try these exercises to reflect on your experiences, abilities, and interests, and discover a new way to make life meaningful.
- Reviewed by Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
Job burnout, an empty nest, retirement, the loss of a partner — any one of those can lead you to feel like you've lost your sense of purpose or reason to get up every morning. It's a common experience, especially as we get older. "When you lose something that's shaped you, it's a threat to your identity, and you wonder who you are without it," says Matthew Lee, a sociologist and research associate at Harvard University's Human Flourishing Program. The question is — will you do anything about it, or will you languish into a void? Your response could affect your health.
The importance of purpose
Having a sense of purpose is associated with many health benefits, such as sharp memory and thinking skills, mood control, reduced risks of chronic disease and disability, and longevity.
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About the Author
Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter
About the Reviewer
Anthony L. Komaroff, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter
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