Find out which option is the best for you.
They could also be signs of something more serious, such aspersistent depressive disorder (PDD).
To ease your fears, you do nothing at all and, instead, remain where you are.
Dan Brownsword / Getty Images
Figuring out what’s causing your discontentment is important to finding ways to get out of your rut.
CBT works by changing negative or unhelpful thought and behavior patterns.
Even your health, family situation, friendships, hobbies, or home can contribute to these feelings.
Here are a few ideas to consider.
Have you been eating well?
Are you sleeping enough?
Have you been spending time with people who care about and support you?
If something is lacking in the self-care department, now is the time to address it.
Look for ways to treat yourself a little better.
Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy to stay focused and excited about your life.
People are creatures of habit and sometimes being stuck stems from boredom or feeling like you’re on auto-pilot.
Head Outdoors
Researchers have discovered thatbeing in nature has a positive impact on the brain.
The next time you’re feeling bogged down, try going for a walk outdoors.
Let go of the thoughts circling around in your brain and simply take in the world around you.
Not only can being outside increase your mental wellness, but it canenhance your creativityas well.
While walking, allow yourself to relax, think of new things, and enjoy the beauty you see.
This helps you return to your everyday life with a renewed sense of wonder.
It puts a little pep in your step as you anticipate the fun that lies ahead.
Call or text friends and make plans for Friday night.
Plan a vacation, even if it’s just taking a day trip to a local spot.
Give yourself things to look forward to and get excited about.
Change this by setting goals related to your career or relationships.
This helps youfeel a sense of purpose, which is also good for boosting motivation.
Another way to develop a sense of purpose is by helping others.
Look for ways to contribute to your community.
Participate in your church, volunteer with a local organization.
or engage in political activism.
You could also help friends or loved ones with a project.
Boost Your Motivation
Sometimes getting out of a rut happens spontaneously.
In other cases, you might need to take a more active approach.
One action you might take is to focus on your motivation.
No matter how hard you try, it seems like whatever you’re working on is never good enough.
Squash your tendencies toward perfectionism right away and recognize that ‘done’ is better than perfect.
If left unchecked, perfectionism can keep you spinning your wheels for a very long time.
Instead, focus on completing projects and moving forward rather than striving for perfection.
Let yourself make mistakes.
Embrace the fact that you’ve given your best effort and move on.
In time, you will be much more productive and creative when you’re no longer tethered to perfectionism.
A Word From Verywell
Feeling stuck in a rut can be frustrating.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by that thought, you might be experiencing something more serious.
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