Last updated on May 19th, 2023 at 11:34 am
Many of us can relate to this: hovering on the edge of lethargy, apathy, and sometimes sadness. A rut is a routine or set of habits that have become boring and unproductive or hard to change even though they don’t serve you well. It could be a response to a serious life-changing situation, stress, or an undecipherable factor.
Sometimes, it’s important to figure out the reason behind this. Other times, action is what’s needed. It is usually a repetitive cycle of being stuck in a rut, then lethargy, unproductivity, then guilt for feeling unmotivated, then more guilt for not being able to fix up, and possibly more guilt as the work piles up or more gym days missed, etc.
It’s usually best to take action before it gets too far. Regardless of how far into the rut you are, here are ways to get out.
Sing to songs:
Do you have a feel-good/ energising/ motivating playlist? Don’t tell me you don’t *inserts a gasp* If you don’t, you need one yesterday!
When you’re stuck in a rut, good vibes music can do a lot for you. Sometimes, when I feel better after listening to music I ask myself what took me so long. Even better is to sing to the lyrics of the song, and channel your inner musician. Throw your hands up for some extra zhuzh.
Dance:
I know you don’t want to dance when you’re in a rut. It’s easier to stew in guilt, but you have to trust me on this. Just move your body, and tap your feet to the beat. Play the music for some minutes and allow yourself to move for those minutes.
Simplify your routine:
Dancing is fun, and singing is good (you don’t even need to be a dancer or able to sing), but what can probably serve you better and long-term is to adjust your routine. Why do you have such a lengthy routine? Keep it minimal, sis! Adjust your routine to suit your needs without overdoing it. You can also schedule dance and anything that makes you feel good in your routine.
Significant areas to simplify in your life
Take a walk:
Oh, mother earth. She been restoring us since forever. A calm walk outside can do wonders for you when you’re in a rut. I find walks to be therapeutic. I get to sieve my thoughts and thrash any overwhelming emotion. Try it already.
Call a friend:
Call your friend. Pick up your phone in as much as you probably don’t want to and call your friend. It helps to also let the friend know that you’re in a rut and trying to feel better. If they are up for it, then they know what to expect and how to assist. Talking to a loved one always helps.
Remember your why:
Remember your motivation. Why do you do what you do? Will feeling guilty about being in a rut help you achieve your goals/desires? Is guilt a better motivator than visualising your goal? You have so much strength within. Channel it, dear friend.
PS: Being in a rut can be a signal of something serious, like you want more out of life or that your current life is mediocre and you should truly live, but it doesn’t mean that this is always the case—it could be an indicator of a less serious situation. Don’t panic.
Read 6 Keys to Living a Rich and Deeply Fulfilling Life
