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Stuck in a Rut? Here’s 9 Things That’ll Help You Feel Better!

February 13, 2022

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Have you been feeling a little “blah” or stuck in a rut?

Like life was just on a repetitive loop, and things no longer excite you anymore. Or like you’re doing loads but not getting any closer to your dreams or goals?

Me too!

Whether it’s feeling stuck in a relationship, in a job, or just trying to get to know who you are. It’s normal and common for us to experience those weird periods at some point or another in life. But it’s so damn frustrating!

It can feel like this is just life now and nothing will change.

But that doesn’t have to be the case. Whilst getting yourself out of a tough spot in life won’t happen overnight, there are things you can do to help you get inspired, motivated, and excited about life again.

9 things that’ll help you get out of a rut

Get to know yourself again

If you’re stuck in a rut, getting to know yourself again can be the first step to slowly getting you out of it.

Feeling stuck can result from so many things.

Whether it’s the breakdown of a relationship, not feeling fulfilled in your job or everyday stresses that have been weighing on you.

So, take a step back and really dig deep with yourself and understand your wants, needs and sources of happiness.

You can start off by asking yourself a few questions, for example:

  • What genuinely makes me happy?
  • Are my current relationships bringing me peace or fulfilling me?
  • Am I doing things I love, or am I doing them because I feel I have to?

Learn something new

woman painting

Often when we feel stuck in a rut, it’s because we aren’t growing or getting any closer to achieving our goals.

So why not learn something new that brings you closer to what it is you want out of life?

That something doesn’t always have to be career related, either. Whether it’s taking a course to learn a new skill, reading an insightful book, taking up a new hobby, or starting a side hustle.

Learning something new will open up your mind to life’s possibilities, bring you a sense of joy or even help you get closer to your goals.

Knowledge is power, use it!

SWITCH UP YOUR ROUTINE

Have you had the same routine for a while now? Well, it might be time to switch things up. You’ve heard the saying, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”.

Keep that in mind!

If you’re doing the same thing day-in day-out, how will things ever change? More than likely they won’t.

So change your routine, whether it’s going to bed a little earlier to get a better night’s sleep. Or making more time to exercise to feel happier and healthier.

Be intentional about switching, adding or replacing things in your daily routine to bring some newness into your life.

CHANGE YOUR LOOK

poloraid photos piles on desk

Looks aren’t everything. But let’s be honest, the way you look can have a direct impact on how you feel.

Is your closet filled with sweatpants, or is it a looking a little empty? Or has it been years since you tried a new hairstyle or makeup look?

So how about trying something new? Be a little more daring with your look, try out a new lip colour or make more of an effort even if you’re just going to the grocery store.

I know it’s easy to stick to what you’re used to or feel comfortable in, but that can also contribute to feeling stagnant.

So, throw out all the things that don’t make you feel like a bad bitch and make room for something new.

You never know, trying something new may inspire you.

Look for a new job

If you’re feeling unfulfilled, unappreciated, or straight up miserable in your current job, it’s time to see what else is out there.

It could be something in the field you’re currently in, or something totally different.

See what’s out there and what sparks the most excitement. It will help you decide on your next career move and also let you know what skills you already have.

Or it’ll give you an insight in to what skills you need to develop in order to chase after your dream role.

Find joy in the little things

woman sitting sofa holding food for dog

When you have little exciting things going on, it’s even easier to feel even more in a rut. So in the meantime, find joy in the small things.

Whether is dressing up like a boss babe for work to boost your confidence. Packing or taking yourself for a fancy lunch to make you happy. Or blasting your favourite playlist and dancing around the house whilst you do chores, so it feels less boring.

Inject some joy into the things you do. It will show you that no matter your current circumstances, you can still be happy and eventually reach your goals.

Change your living space

Our homes are usually a reflection of how we feel. If you’re feeling a little ‘blah’ or stressed out, your home will probably reflect that in one way or another.

So, perhaps try moving some furniture around, adding a fresh lick of paint to your walls or add in some new artwork.

Changing your living space will not only make you feel you’re in a new setting, but it can also help spark ideas, motivation and boost your mood.

Mindfulness

woman sitting with legs crossed meditating

With so much going on in day-to-day life, our thoughts are often racing.

Constantly we’re thinking about all the things we should do or everything we need to get done, which makes it really difficult to switch off and take a moment to be still.

Mindfulness is a great way to centre yourself, live in the moment, and accept the present.

I know you’re probably thinking, “I don’t have time to do that. I’m way too busy”. But it doesn’t have to take long at all.

Jay Shetty has recently partnered with the Calm app for daily mindfulness sessions, that lasts just 7 minutes.

You could do it whilst you take a shower or whilst you cook dinner.

7 minutes isn’t too much to ask, is it?

Get the help you need!

It’s pretty normal and common for us to have periods where we feel like we’re stuck in a rut.

It’s an annoying part of life, I guess.

But it’s also important to realise when things are a little more than being just feeling stuck.

Experiencing low mood, not feeling like yourself or feeling lost can also be signs of depression or other mental health conditions.

If you feel you may be struggling with your mental health, it’s really important to speak with your doctor or a therapist to get the right help.

I hope you found these quick tips helpful. What things do you find helpful when you’re feeling stuck in a rut?

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Stuck in a Rut Here's 9 Things That'll Help You Feel Better!

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Hi, I'm Keisha and I'm here to give you an honest insight into what it's like living with chronic pain. I share my personal diary of experiences along with pain management, self care and personal development tips.

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Happy Valentine’s Day Gorgeous People !🌹💜 Happy Valentine’s Day Gorgeous People !🌹💜

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Happy Galentine's Day! 💜🤗 "Uteruses before Happy Galentine's Day! 💜🤗

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Chronic illness can really suck the romance out of Chronic illness can really suck the romance out of Valentine’s Day... A sexy night out isn’t always possible when you're fatigued or in a hella' pain. 

Unfortunately, we can't turn down our symptoms and turn up the sexy. 

Whether it's Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a Tuesday... Flare-ups and fatigue can hit us hard at any time. 

So, what the hell can we do? 

We want to show our partners some tender lovin’ and affection. But, our energy levels are depleted or pain is kicking our ass…

Don’t worry, I’ve got you! 😉

In this week's blog post, I’ve put together some low-key, chronic illness-friendly, date ideas that’ll help you show your bae how much you love them! 💜💜💜

Link in bio! 

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It’s something I’ve been trying to figure out for the longest…

In this week’s blog post, I’ve put together some helpful strategies that have helped me, and will hopefully help you, deal with burnout. 

I break down what chronic illness burnout is, some signs to look out for, as well as some simple things you can do to combat it. 

I hope you find it helpful! Link in Bio.

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Here are few kind ways you can say no without feeling guilty.

What other ways do you say no? Drop it in the comments 👇🏾 

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Todays officially the worst day of year..aka Blue Todays officially the worst day of year..aka Blue Monday. I don’t really believe in it but I get the idea. 

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I’d love for you to check it out. Link in bio. 

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#reminders#selflove #mentalhealthmatters #spoonie #chronicpainflareup #chronicillnesscommunity #wellness #chronicillnessblogger #chronicpainquotes #chronicpainsupport #illness #chronicillnesslife #spooniecommunity #spoonielife #sickofbeingsick #chronicallyill
Rest,Rest,Rest...😴 If you live with chronic pa Rest,Rest,Rest...😴

If you live with chronic pain or illness, you come to realise how important rest actually is❗️

It's the one thing we need to keep going.

However, in a world where 'maximising your time' and productivity hacks are shoved down our throats, particularly at this time of year (New year, new me and all that shit). It's easy to feel you're wasting time or not doing enough by prioritising rest. 

But I'm here to say fuck that! 🖕🏾

Rest when we need it can NEVER be a waste of time!

It's an investment...! Particularly if you have pain or any health condition!

Rest is our time to destress, detach and escape from all things thrown our way, health or life-related.

Let's stop punishing ourselves, or feeling guilty about resting. Instead, let's consider it the best investment we'll ever make... into ourselves!😉

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