Six ways to get out of that rut

We’ve all been there. Stuck in a rut. Same old routine. Day in, day out. While some routine is always present and probably welcomed, when your whole life becomes the same, you may end up feeling quite down and demotivated. It happens to many people and can happen for different reasons, although fear and limiting beliefs are often implicated.

Some of the signs that you’re in a rut might be:

• You see the world in muted colours.
• You don’t really look forward to anything.
• Your days blur together.
• You’d like to add something new to your life but are unsure what it is or whether you have time.
• When you do get free time, you’re too tired to do anything with it.
• Even though you might be working hard and ticking lots off your list, you don’t feel like you’re achieving much.

Now, let’s be clear: some of these experiences can indicate a more serious underlying condition. If they persist, affect your daily life, or you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than two weeks, speak to your GP. However, when you are experiencing a temporary rut, there may also be actions you can explore to help yourself.

There’s some difference of opinion about the author of the quote, ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got,’ but its meaning is clear. When things aren’t going so well, we quite often do what’s worked before but do it even harder. Then, when that doesn’t work, we do it even harder. However, what’s often needed is to see things from a different perspective.

Six ways to beat boredom

Here are six ways to beat boredom, get out of that rut and find some motivation.

1. Find something you love doing

Maybe it’s something you did as a child but haven’t done for some time. Perhaps curling up with a book, playing your favourite game or painting? Often, we put these things aside as grown-ups because we feel we have to be sensible. Introducing play back into our lives can be motivating.

2. Try something you’ve always wanted to do

Our comfort zones tend to become very comfortable. If we can take just a small step outside of them, it can boost our confidence and help us try other things too.

3. Set yourself some goals

Sometimes this can send people running for the hills, but wait – this might be for you! Goals don’t have to be scary or very large. If you’re already doing yoga, how about learning a new stance or stretch? If you usually drive a particular route to work, perhaps stop at a particularly beautiful spot and look at the scenery for a moment. If you’re thinking about learning something new, set a goal to find out about local training.

4. Find someone to help you

Involving another person can be motivating, and they can also hold you to account for whatever you’ve decided to change. They can help you plan, encourage you and support you on the days when it might be more difficult.

5. Change your story

If you tell yourself the same story about yourself and your life, the chances are that everything you do will help you fulfil that story. ‘That never works for me’ or ‘I always get this wrong’ are powerful things to say to ourselves. So, how about picturing yourself taking part in another story and giving yourself another character?

6. Include more movement in your life

You’ll probably be familiar with the evidence that physical activity can support our mood, so perhaps include more movement in your life. This doesn’t have to involve a particular sport; simply dancing while you brush your teeth, taking the stairs or going the long way to the shops can all help.

These are simple actions you can experiment with as you begin making changes. Why not get out your diary or calendar and make a note of the next action you’ll take?