You know those moments (or days) where you aren’t quite sure what to do with yourself? You feel a bit down. Maybe you know the root of it, or maybe you don’t. But you’re in a funk. This happens to me sometimes. And now is one of those times.
We’re wrapping up our time abroad so I know that I’m in for some huge changes. I tend to do pretty well with change and big moves, but it’s the moments leading up to these big moments that put me in a funk. Like when I know the change is coming, I instantly lose my routine and motivation and just feel a bit off my game.
Once I’m settled into my new situation I am usually able to jump back into my routine, but just thinking about all the changes has my mind a bit rattled. We’ve got one week left in Barcelona and then we’re going to have about a month of chaos (pack up our apartment, fly with 8 suitcases and a pup to the West Coast, drive from SF (where our car is) to Portland (11 more hours of travel), live in corporate housing, look for an apartment, move into a new apartment, get all of our belongings that have been in storage since December shipped to us). Whew, that gives me a little bit anxiety just thinking of all those steps! And I guess this chain of events has been nagging at the back of my mind, already throwing me off my routine, even though technically we’re still here in Barcelona. I’m rambling, but can you see where I’m coming from? Do these types of changes in the future put you in a rut?
I decided to make a list of little things you can do when you’re in a rut. They’re small and simple, but they can lift your mood when you’re feeling a bit down or off. Do one, do 20, just do something instead of wallowing in your rut (which is totally fine for a bit, but after a while it’s time to get yourself together, right?). So here we go–it’s nothing big, but one little move can get you pointed in a positive direction.
24 Ways to Get Out of a Rut
- Go for a walk
- Open a window (fresh air + natural light do wonders!)
- Play music
- Put on a face mask
- Take a bath
- Write down 3 things you’re grateful for (or start a gratitude journal and make this a daily habit)
- Meditate
- Read a book
- Browse your favorite blogs
- Drink a big glass of water
- Do a short yoga flow
- Drink hot tea or coffee
- Facetime with a friend
- Clean your apartment
- Find 5 things in your closet to donate
- Go for a jog with your favorite podcast playing
- Cook a new recipe you’ve had your eye on
- Cuddle with your pet
- Write a goal list for the next month
- Go on a hike
- Make a bucket list for future travel inspo
- Write an email to a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with
- Try a new fitness studio
- Journal about why you’re in a rut (try to get to the bottom of whatever’s bugging you)
If you’re feeling that little rut, I hope some of these tips will get you through it. Anything to add? What do you do to get yourself out of a rut?
