Life can be monotonous, right? Doing the same things, frustrated, emotionally stuck, treading water, just one step in front of the other with no feeling of purpose. Day in, day out without actually getting anywhere. Groundhog.
Please remember that you are not the only person who has ever felt this way, we’ve all been there.
It’s not uncommon. Things we used to get excited about now feel less interesting. We continue to follow a routine of doing the same things every day, and it just creeps upon us. Life feels 'meh' and meaningless, and we’re just unmotivated and lost. We know we could try something new, but the energy has gone even to try!
Sound familiar?
We find ourselves in this situation, this rut as they call it, for various reasons, but we can do things to help us get unstuck, to help us get our mojo back!
Being in a mental rut needs some action, and as much as having good people around you to support you, which hopefully you have, you need to start this one on your own!
The first step is acknowledging that you’re somewhat stuck in the sand. Once you’ve done this, it's time to take action.
>You Time
When you’re feeling low, the last thing we think about is 'me time.' Put aside anything self-loathing or self-doubt and start investing time in yourself is the cornerstone of getting yourself out of a rut. Ask yourself some questions… How have I been eating? How have I been sleeping? Have I exercised and got my heart rate up? Have I been outside in the fresh air? Have I spent quality time with people I care about?
If you have answered no to any of these questions, that’s your starting point. All these things will bring you joy and make you feel so much better. If you’re lacking in the self-care department, it needs to be addressed. Healthy living, sleep and social connections are so important to not only your physical health but your emotional health too and taking care of yourself in these ways will help keep you focussed on the good in your life.
>Find some new habits
Doing the same thing daily can sometimes hurt, we become reactive instead of proactive. We are creatures of habit, and we get bored. We need to look for ways to add different experiences to our day. Start running, start reading, start a new skincare routine where you can nourish and treat your skin to make your face glow! Do you like sport? Join a club, join a gym. Finding a new habit to take your mind into a new world is a great distraction from everyday life.
>The Great Outdoors
Being in nature is 100% a positive move when you’re not in the right place. Fresh air is proven to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety and can lower stress and increase mental wellbeing. Plus, it’s been shown to enhance creativity, so the next time you’re feeling bogged down, and your brain is all fuzzy, take a stroll! It’s a great way to get some exercise too, which will release endorphins into your brain to trigger a positive feeling in your body!
>Find Your Purpose
Easier said than done, right? If you feel like you’re not working towards anything, it’s so easy to feel like you’re in a rut! We all want something to look forward to, something we can set a goal on, something that will give us a sense of purpose. But this can be even the smallest of things! Let’s go back to the paragraph above - habits. Why not set yourself a goal for your running, couch to 5K! Or go shopping (at MESOA!) for some new premium skincare products so you can look and feel amazing! Join the gym and watch your body transform into a new you! Even arranging a Friday night out with the lads is something to look forward to.
We know it’s hard. Being in a rut is the worst, but you can help yourself. Make new habits, make plans, don’t overlook the little things, be kind, give to others, look at how you can contribute. All of these things will provide you with purpose and give you something to live for. Take small steps, it doesn’t have to be all in one go—master one and move on to the next.
Be sure to treat yourself to that me-time we talked about. Head outside, go for a walk, go for a run, hit the gym, then come home, shower, and treat your face to a skincare pamper session! Rewards feel good!
We must be present and take in the world around us. We must take time to relax, see the sights, learn new things, and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. It’s everywhere, you just need to open your eyes. You will get out of the rut and return to your everyday life with a renewed sense of wonder. Go get it.