I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all experienced that feeling of being “in a rut” at some point in our lives. When we’re in that place, it can be so hard to get out. Here are 10 things that help me to get out of a rut.
I’m writing this in Spring 2021 and we’re currently in month 14 of lockdowns. Regardless of your opinions on lockdowns, I think many of us are feeling a lack of creativity, motivation and drive in life.
You don’t have to do all of these things – just pick the ones that you feel will help you most!
TURN YOUR PHONE OFF
If you don’t do anything else I suggest – do this. Turn off your phone, your computer, TV, ipads, etc. PUT AWAY THE SCREENS. Stop scrolling. Stop picking them up every 2.3 seconds.
If being on the computer/phone is your job, then obviously do your job. But after work hours – PUT IT AWAY.
Turn your phone on airplane mode, or at LEAST on silent. Turn app notifications off (and keep them off forever. You’re welcome). Designate a spot to plug your phone in and then DON’T TOUCH IT.
I am one hundred percent certain that your phone/ipad/computer/tv is only contributing to the feeling of being stuck in a rut.
GET INTO NATURE
Nature is basically a cure for everything. Am I right?
Even if it’s cold, rainy or dreary out try to spend at least a few minutes outside!
Go for a walk, find a new trail, sip your coffee outside (without your phone!), play with your kids, watch the sunset, build a snowman.
Fresh air + vitamin D can make a huge difference in your mood!
START A HOBBY
Find a hobby (either new or old) that will keep your hands/body busy! Some ideas are watercolour, woodworking, home renovations, knitting, sewing, starting a blog, playing an instrument, baking, etc.
During the hours you would normally pick up your phone to scroll social media – work on your hobby!
Even if you do choose to have the TV on in the background, it’s so helpful to be doing something with your hands.
If there’s a hobby you’ve been wanting to start, now is a great time!You might have to invest a little bit of money into materials, but it will likely be worthwhile.
DO SOMETHING CREATIVE
Even if you don’t consider yourself a “creative person” – doing something creative can be so beneficial to help you get out of a rut.
There’s something about doing a task just for fun that can really help to recenter and ground us.
SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS
When I’m in a rut, the absolute last thing I want to do is spend time with other people.
But, it’s typically the one thing that I really NEED.
Plan to go for a walk or a coffee date with a friend. Schedule a time to Facetime a loved one who doesn’t live locally. Host a girls night with yummy snacks. Plan a fun date night with your partner.
Social connection is such an important aspect for our mental health, whether or not we feel in the mood!
MIX UP YOUR ROUTINE
When I find myself in a rut it really helps to mix up something in my routine.
Maybe you need to start waking up / going to bed earlier. Try making something different for breakfast, or try a fun new recipe for dinner. Change the route you drive to work.
Recently I was feeling in a rut with my daily morning walk with my dog. Since the fall I had been walking the exact same route and we were both bored! I decided to change it up. I enjoyed the walk more, and my dog was very excited for new smells to sniff! Haha
You absolutely don’t have to change up your ENTIRE routine – but just pick one small habit and switch it up for a few days.
WRITE OUT YOUR PRIORITIES
Procrastination usually goes hand in hand with being stuck in a rut!
One reason why we procrastinate is because we don’t know what we SHOULD be doing.
Writing out your top priorities for the day/week/month is helpful to get back on track! Here are more ideas on how to beat procrastination.
To take it a step further, take some time to write down the things that REALLY matter to you.
Why did you choose your job in the first place? Why do you want to make money? What would you love your life to look like in one year? What do you wish you could spend more time doing?
CHECK ONE ITEM OFF YOUR TO-DO LIST
This is likely the LAST thing you “feel” like doing, but I’d really encourage you to do one PRODUCTIVE task. Preferably the one task you’ve been putting off the longest!
Productivity is addicting and once you get started there’s a good change you’ll want to do more!
But even if you do that task and still don’t want to do anything else, you can still feel better knowing you got one productive task done that you otherwise wouldn’t have done.
I love to set a timer to complete a task. Sometimes I’ll set a 30/60 minute timer to write a blog post / respond to emails. Other tips I will set a 15 minute timer on the stove while I speed-clean the kitchen. I find this method so helpful because I don’t have to commit to hours of productivity.
MAKE A CHANGE
“Stuck in a rut” is defined as “seemingly trapped or stuck in a mundane, non-changing pattern of life, work, or personal behaviour.”
The best way to get out of this is by changing something! If you’re spending a lot of time in your home maybe move the furniture around or paint a wall! If you need a confidence boost, change your haircut or colour.
Changing something in your physical space might be helpful to get out of a rut.
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE
At the end of the day remember that you are a HUMAN and will experience human emotions. We all experience seasons of life where we feel less motivated or inspired.
And that’s OKAY!
It’s normal to have a week or even a month where you’re just not feeling as excited about life as normal.
You can give yourself grace during this season while still making efforts to get out of it.
