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I was inspired to write this post because just a couple of weeks ago I was in a huge rut myself. I didn’t have any energy, I felt really unmotivated, I didn’t want to do anything, I was experiencing bad writer’s block, I didn’t feel like myself at all, and I just felt upset.

It’s not fun to feel so down. I didn’t get much done those few days, which was really frustrating for me. I was staring at my laptop trying to type out words but my fingers wouldn’t move. My room was cluttered but I couldn’t care to clean it. I didn’t want to read, I didn’t want to write, or film videos, or plan…nothing! However, I knew I couldn’t let those things take over me, so I did what I could to make myself feel better.

I wanted to share those things with you in case you may be in a rut:

1. Give yourself some time off

On my days off I typically do a number of productive tasks. However, on day 1 of my rut I tried to create (for my blog, YouTube, Pinterest, anything), but I simply could not. So I gave in and just didn’t do anything productive. I went to the gym and spent time with my boyfriend that evening and I think that’s exactly what I needed. Just some time off from creating (or doing) can really help. Of course we don’t want that to last though. Just a week later I found myself filled with ideas and typing away on my laptop!

2. Gratitude

Write down everything you’re grateful for. At the very least just think about what you’re grateful for. I bet there’s a lot. I always do this in my mind when I start thinking of negative thoughts. It’s so easy to forget how much we have to be grateful for. It’s OK to have your low moments, but really look at your situation from a different perspective and you’ll realize how silly your feelings may be.

3. Write down things to look forward to

I started doing this back in Grad school because I was miserable and every day was a struggle to get through. If you look at my old notebooks and planners you’ll see “Things to Look Forward To [Date]” all over the place. It was a small thing that just helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I would write down the smallest of things (for example, ordering a coffee tomorrow at my favorite coffee shop) to large things (such as graduating with my Master’s in less than 7 months). There’s ALWAYS something to look forward to, which is why every moment is important and amazing (even if it doesn’t feel like it).

Maybe this weekend you’ll be baking a cake, that’s something to look forward to. Warmer weather, going on a date next week, paying off X amount of debt, pay day, a vacation/trip, taking a bubble bath, and every other little thing that brings you joy is something you have to look forward to!

4. Listen to motivational talks

For my most recent rut, Gary Vaynerchuk was the influencer I turned to! Just search [person] motivation on YouTube and you’ll find a ton. The reason I like Gary V is because he tells it like it is. He always talks about how lucky we are to be humans and to exist in this generation. He speaks this truth with so much passion and cursing that it just makes you question why you’re even feeling upset.

5. Get off of social media

Social media is filled with perfect bodies, lives, skin, relationships, clothes, jobs, etc. People choose what they want to share on social media so it looks like they have an amazing, perfect life. Maybe they do, but what does scrolling through those images do for you? Make you feel worse? Jealous? Angry? GET OFF OF IT.

Social media also spreads a lot of negativity. From gossip to sad videos to nasty comments, it’s not going to benefit you. We’re all guilty of scrolling through our feeds mindlessly and being intrigued by those things, but it’s especially important to stay away from it while in a rut.

Other things to try

-Meditate
-Journal
-Talk to a friend/loved one
-Get outside
-Learn something new
-Go for a run
-Lift weights/workout
-Take a nap
-Deep clean your room
-Reorganize your furniture
-Take a bath
-Cook healthy food
-Go for a walk
-Volunteer
-Read a book

What helps you get out of a rut?

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