From time to time we all find ourselves stuck in a rut, bummed out or feeling kind of meh. Here are 11 ways to pull yourself out of a rut.
1. Take a break
Even when we have 100 things to be doing, sometimes a quick break from life is necessary.
2. Listen to music
Music is a great way to take a quick break and is proven to be a mood-booster as well. I usually go for worship music; it helps re-center my perspectives and (ideally) motivate me for the rest of my day.
3. Go for a walk
Walking outside is a great stress-reliever and the perfect opportunity to think.
4. Work out
Most likely if you are in a rut, you aren't in the mood to workout. But exercising is a great way to release endorphins and keep you on track for a more productive day.
5. Call someone you love
Especially in college, some of the people you love most are likely not close enough to stop by for a quick visit. Facetime and Skype are great ways to connect with someone, and talking things out with someone who knows you well might be just what you need.
6. Take a nap
Oftentimes stress and exhaustion can bring on that "meh" feeling more than anything else. A nap is a good quick fix for getting through a long, tiring day.
7. Journal
Writing things down is a great way to figure out where you’re at and be honest with yourself. Also reading through old journals can help too.
8. Pray it out
This probably should have been the first idea on the list. Prayer is powerful, and God can help us more than we can help ourselves.
9. Read
Getting lost in a book – even if only for a few minutes– can be the perfect way to take a quick break and can help pull you out of a rut.
10. Clean
Cleaning might sound like the exact opposite of what you want to do when you are feeling less-than-stellar, but oftentimes doing one productive thing can lead to more productivity throughout the rest of the day.
11. Do something you love
You know yourself the best– even when it feels like you don’t have time for yourself, make the time. You won’t regret taking a few minutes or an hour doing something that recharges you and re-aligns your perspectives. Making this a daily practice can even help keep you out of that rut more permanently.
