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You dread the day ahead -

If you wake up dreading the workday and feeling unfulfilled, then this is a red flag that you're working on autopilot. 

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You do things without thinking -

You do things without stopping to think about what you're doing, how you're doing it, and why you're doing it. Life is basically automated and there's little thought behind it.

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Your daily routine is predictable -

You already know how you'll spend each and every day. You already know where you'll go, what you'll do, who you'll see, and what you'll eat.

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You mindlessly scroll through social media -

If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, it could be a sign that you're living on autopilot. This might happen for hours, even if you just checked it!

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You stay deep in thought -

Basically, you're mentally checked out and thinking about things that aren't currently happening.

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You get easily frustrated with small things -

You might get easily angry over small delays or mild inconveniences. It's a possible sign that you're too plugged into a routine and feel deep frustration when things aren't running smoothly

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You overcommit -

You often agree to things that you don't want to do, then dread the decision after. Be it going to a party or taking on more tasks at work, you have difficulty saying "no."

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You have a difficult time remembering -

When we're not fully engaged in the activities around us or interactions we've had, we may tend to forget them. If you're on autopilot, you may not remember doing activities like driving, eating, or having that conversation you should have remembered!

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You keep working through lunch, dinner, and supposed leisure time -

When you're working too much, you can feel tired and disengaged at the same time. Your brain is so focused on working that this is the only thing you do.

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You waste time -

You know that you're wasting time, be it by procrastinating or spending hours on social media.

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You're not making meaningful progress -

Days, weeks, and months seem to fly by, and you haven't made any meaningful progress toward your goals.

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You can't seem to let go -

Even though you know something isn't serving you anymore, you still do it because you know it's familiar. For example, you might stay in an unmotivated career or live in the same old place.

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You don't have a plan -

Do you have plans for the future? Can you identify the things most important to you? If the answer is no, then you're on autopilot.

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You feel like you're existing rather than living -

When the brain is on autopilot, you rarely do anything new. As a result, it may feel like life is just passing you by.

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You feel stuck and unfulfilled -

When you're not actively engaging in your life and making intentional choices, it can be difficult to find fulfillment.

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You always feel tired -

While it's normal to feel tired, being overly fatigued can be a sign that you're not truly present or engaged with your daily life.

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You lack focus and attention -

If you find that you're easily distracted or have a hard time staying focused on tasks, it could be a sign that you're living on autopilot.

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You are missing out on life for work -

While work is important, it's not all there is to life. Another sign you're on autopilot is that you're constantly favoring work over the people you love and experiences that are not work-related.

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You feel disconnected from your emotions -

When you're not fully present, it can be difficult to connect with your emotions and process them in a healthy way.

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You know there's a better life to be lived -

Deep down, you believe that life could be more joyous, but you feel stuck in your current ways. 

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How to get out of autopilot mode -

If most of these signs resonate with you, chances are you're living your life on autopilot. The good thing is that you can get out of it! Click on for some helpful tips.

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Think back and remember -

If you're not excited to get to work, think about the reasons why you began this career. Try to reignite what motivated you back in the beginning. And if it doesn't motivate you anymore, reflect on what you can and want to do instead.

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Practice mindfulness and meditation -

By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and break out of the cycle of autopilot mode.

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Set goals -

Having small goals can help guide you by keeping you focused on where you want to go and what you want to accomplish.

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Create new experiences -

To break out of autopilot mode, try new experiences and activities that challenge you and take you out of your comfort zone.

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Connect with others -

It's important to have a balanced social life. Make time to connect with friends and family, and engage in activities that promote social connection.

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Set a schedule -

Having a set schedule that you stick to is a helpful way to ensure you're not tempted by outside distractions. Make sure to include fun moments and leisure, too!

Sources: (Success) (Stylist) (The i Paper)

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