If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with your family history research, you’re not alone. Genealogy is something many of us love, but even something we enjoy can start to feel heavy at times. Maybe you’ve hit a brick wall. Maybe you’ve been researching for months and feel like you’re going in circles. Or maybe you’ve just lost the spark that made you excited to start.
The good news? You can bring the joy back into your family history research, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this blog post, I’ll give you ten ways to do just that.
I was out walking in my neighborhood recently, listening to a podcast. Being outside, whether walking or gardening, always brings me a sense of joy. It centers me and gives me peace, makes me feel calm.
This particular podcast episode had to do with getting excited about your work again when you’re not burned out, but not thrilled with what you’re doing either. You’re fine.
As I was listening, I kept thinking about how this relates to family history research. Although we love hunting for our ancestors, we sometimes feel overwhelmed and frustrated. So…
Here are ten simple ways to reconnect with what you love about your family history.
Acknowledge How You’re Feeling
First things first. It’s okay to admit you’re feeling stuck. Genealogy can be emotional. It can also be time-consuming, sometimes leaving us feeling confused or lost.
If you’ve been forcing yourself to push through, try stopping for just a moment. Take a deep breath. Recognize that you’re not failing. You’re just human. Even professional genealogists need a reset sometimes.
Give yourself some grace.
Remember Why You Started
Try going back to your “why.” What made you want to explore your family’s past?
Was it curiosity? A love of history? Wanting to finally know where you come from?
Write it down. Say it out loud. Reconnect with the heart of your research.
It helps to keep a note nearby with your personal reason for doing this work. On tough days, it can be the reminder you need to keep going.
Take A Break (Yes, Really)
Sometimes we need to step away. Give yourself permission to take a short break. A weekend, a week, or even longer if needed. Walk away from the documents, the search results, and the never-ending to-do list.
When you come back, you’ll be more refreshed and maybe even inspired in a new direction.
If this idea appeals to you, make sure to read my blog post, “Why It’s Good To Take A Genealogy Research Break.” Your hints on Ancestry will still be there when you get back.
Try Something New
If you’ve been doing the same thing over and over, shake it up. Try exploring a part of FamilySearch you haven’t used before, like the Images section or the Research Wiki. Dive into a state archive or look for digitized records from a local historical society.
New tools can give you a fresh perspective, and maybe even some surprises.
Sometimes, joy returns when we give ourselves permission to explore, not just complete a task. As genealogists, we’re often told to avoid going down a rabbit hole. But if we do it intentionally, it can be just what we need.
Focus On Telling A Story
Instead of digging for more records, take a breath and look at what you already have.
Pick one ancestor. Just one. Use what you know to write a short story about their life. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You can fill in details with what was common at the time, including how people dressed, what they ate, or what was happening in their town.
You might be surprised how satisfying it is to bring someone to life with just a few facts and a little imagination.
Celebrate The Small Wins
We tend to focus on the big breakthroughs, such as the discovery of a long-lost ancestor or a line traced back to the 1600s. But those moments don’t happen every day. Make sure to celebrate the little things, too.
Maybe you found the maiden name of a great-grandmother. Maybe you finally organized a messy folder on your computer. Or perhaps you figured out how to use a new search filter. These are wins worth recognizing.
Make a list of small victories. They’re proof that you are making progress.
Share It With Someone
Genealogy can be a solitary hobby (or profession), but it doesn’t have to be.
Talk to a cousin or sibling. Share an interesting fact at a family gathering. Ask a relative to tell you a memory about a grandparent. You can even post a short story or ancestor photo on social media.
You don’t need to explain your entire tree. A simple story can spark curiosity, connection, and even a new lead.
Let Go Of The Pressure
Family history research doesn’t have to be perfect. What’s that saying…”perfect is the enemy of good.” (The French writer and philosopher, Voltaire, came up with this quote in the 1700s.)
You don’t need to have every source cited right now or confirm every fact this minute. And you don’t need to have all your photos labeled and sorted before you share them.
This is a lifelong journey. Let yourself make notes, leave questions unanswered, and revisit things later.
You’ll enjoy it more when you drop the pressure and allow yourself to learn as you go.
Revisit A Favorite Ancestor
Think back to an ancestor who sparked your interest early on. Maybe it was someone who immigrated from Ireland. Or a grandparent with a big personality. Or someone whose story still makes you smile.
Go back and read what you’ve collected about them. Look at their photo. Revisit the census or passenger list where they first appeared in your tree.
Sometimes revisiting an old favorite can remind you why you fell in love with family history in the first place.
Create Something Beautiful
Take a break from research and make something.
- Frame an old family photo
- Create a digital scrapbook page
- Print a quote from a family letter
Even something small can bring joy and meaning to your research. It turns data into something personal. And you don’t need to be crafty or artistic, just thoughtful.
Finally
It’s okay to have hard days with genealogy. That doesn’t mean you’ve fallen out of love with it. It just means you need a little breathing room, a new angle, or a reminder of what truly matters.
At the end of the day, it’s all about people, their stories, and a connection to the past.
So if you’re feeling stuck, try one or two of the ideas above. See what brings back a little spark. Your ancestors are still there. Their stories are still waiting. And the joy can return, one small step at a time.
Genealogy tip: If you’re feeling worn out from researching your own family, try helping a friend with theirs. I often find new energy by digging into someone else’s tree. It’s a great way to help them and rediscover your excitement for the hunt.
Hiring a professional genealogist can help you find your joy again by either breaking through a brick wall or just by giving you new ideas where to search. Click below to schedule a free 30-minute, no-obligation chat.
