Achieve a goal | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Ways To Get Out Of A Rut And Improve Your Mood

Shake it off.

43
Friends

There's no easy cure for the rut you're in, but there are a few easy things you can do right now to lower your stress levels, ease anxiety, and improve your mood while you wait for the universe to give you a break.

Eat something

Honestly, half the time when I find myself in a bad mood I'm just hungry. We all know that eating consistently is important for our body to function normally, but it also regulates our mental stability. Now, I don't mean eat anything, try for something healthy. Trust me, when you put good things in your body, you'll have more energy and will feel so much better.

Get some sleep

A good night's sleep, or even a short nap in between classes, can make a huge difference in your mood. When I lose even just two hours on a random night I'm distracted and annoyed by the smallest things — not to mention way more likely to miss my 8 AM class.

Declutter your space

Simple, I know, but it really can make an immediate difference in your mood. You don't have to do anything major, but cleaning your room or apartment has been proven to lower stress levels. Remember, clear space equals clear mind.

Get ready for the day

Going through your normal morning routine, even when you really just don't feel like it, can set the tone for the day. Put on a nice outfit, style your hair, do your makeup (if you're into that). If you don't have a morning routine, try someone else's and start the day feeling a little more put together than usual.

Change your environment

Literally go somewhere else. If you can't study where you usually go, find a new spot. Grab a coffee, go for a walk, get some sun — try to get out into the world and breathe new air.

Take some me time

Take a bath. Reread your favorite book. Pamper yourself with a spa day. Find some time in the day to let yourself relax and recharge. It's important to check in with yourself every once and a while — nobody functions well when they burn out trying to do everything for other people.

Do something nice for yourself

Take yourself out to lunch. Buy yourself flowers. Do whatever you think will make you feel a little bit better. It's not about being selfish or materialistic — it's taking care of yourself and knowing that you deserve nice things, too.

Feed your mind

This one ties back to my point about eating healthy: if you put good in, you get good out. The same thing applies to your mind. Feed your mind with positivity and it'll show in your own thoughts and actions. Yes, it can be good to invite distractions sometimes, but you want to keep track of the kinds of media you consume — not all of it is beneficial to you. In fact, a lot of it has the opposite effect. Try an inspirational podcast or a good book instead of binge-watching another reality TV show.

Do yourself a favor and get off social media for a second — it's only stressing you out.

Re-center

The best way to stay positive it to stay present — even when you really don't want to. Letting your mind wander and daydreaming about a "better life" is only bringing you down. Try some breathing exercises. Meditation is a good way to focus your mind back on reality. Just spending a few minutes focusing on your breathing can get you to chill out and really improve your outlook.

 Achieve a goal

Even a small success can yield big results. Set achievable goals and allow yourself to feel proud when you complete them. Even if it's just putting away your laundry or remembering to call your mom, cross off as many items on your to-do list as you can.

 Be realistic about your progress

Even with all these tips and the thousands of others scattered across the internet, it's important to remember that improvement is always a gradual thing. You might get worse before you get better, but know that you're on the right track, and never blame yourself for bad days.

At the end of the day, you've just got to give yourself time. You can't force yourself into a good mood, but if you find yourself stuck in this particular rut for more than two consecutive weeks, it might be time to contact a health professional. It could be a sign of depression, but whatever the cause, you'll be better off addressing it instead of ignoring it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

36318
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

16890
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

318153
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Yoga love

A long over due thank you note to my greatest passion.

30655
A person in a yoga pose surrounded by a supportive community of fellow yogis with a look of peace and gratitude on their face the image should convey the sense of strength mindfulness and appreciation that the writer feels towards yoga
StableDiffusion

Dearest Yoga,

You deserve a great thank you.

Keep Reading...Show less
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

10742
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments