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How to Get Out of a Rut


Finding yourself in a rut can be frustrating. Being in a rut can be due to depression, boredom or a recent setback that has left you feeling like there are no options to move forward. When this happens it can feel like an effort just to get yourself dressed each day. I know, I've been there.

What is a rut?


A rut is a mental state where you feel emotionally and mentally drained, so everything feels like it takes ten times more effort. When every task feels like a mountain you stop trying. It's at these times that I feel self sabotage kicks in. I stop taking care of myself because that feels like the only thing I can control. Once the feeling of the rut passes all I'm left with is oily skin, a few extra kilograms and annoyance that I spent my time binging Netflix shows I've already seen (hello, Gossip Girl and Glee). Weekends that I could have spent creating, exercising, socialising - are completely wasted. When I head back into work on Monday I feel even worse.


How do you get yourself out of a rut.


Despite the cause, the solution to a rut is always the same. You need to turn inwards and start to refill your cup. That's all a rut is - the emptiness of your cup. What do I mean when I say cup? I'm talking about your mental and emotional reserves. Maybe you've had a super busy week at work. Perhaps you're having a strained relationship with a loved one. Whatever the reason, this added stress has circled around and around in your mind and now you're exhausted. You've emptied your cup.


Ways to refill your cup


How you refill your cup and get out of your rut is a personalised experience. You need to think about what makes you happy. When you do this you should bear in mind that it shouldn't be something you'll regret later (hello, large KFC meal). Here are the things I do when I'm stuck in a rut:

Have a bath


If you're lucky enough to have a bath tub in your place then utilitise it ASAP.  I love to have a long soak in the tub on a Friday arvo. I light some candles, pour in some epsom salts and catch up on my reading. The warm water and epsom salts relax the muscles that have been contorted into terrible positions at my office job all week.

I'm currently loving the bath salts by Baylis & Harding


Go for a walk listening to lo fi music


I live near a beautiful walking track and to disconnect from the world for an hour or two I'll do the whole thing. He's too small now, but I can't wait for my puppy Alfred to join me on these walks. You can do a walk without your phone, but I like listening to music while I walk. Something about engaging my eyes with the scenery and my ears with lo fi music really unlocks my mind. It's hard to not be grateful when you're walking under towering trees by a crystal blue river.

Give yourself a break from the screens


Practice some hygge


When I came across this concept on Pinterest I instantly fell in love. Hygge is the Danish concept of cosiness. How cute is that! As seen in The New York Times hygge works best in winter when baby it's cold outside. The idea is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Make your space smell like the forest or a log cabin with candles or room sprays. Put on your fluffiest robe, slippers and cover yourself in your thickest blanket. With a mug of your favourite tea or hot chocolate you're well on your way.

The Alchemy - for all your aromatic needs


Connect with people


When I say connect I don't mean virtually. I mean get out there and see people. Meet up with a friend or spend time with family. I do write this with a warning though, only spend time with people that you feel lift you up. Not your friend from high school that's constantly putting you down. Not your aunty that doesn't support your life choices and isn't afraid to say it. Not your work colleague that only talks about herself and doesn't care what you have to say. Connect with people that have positive energy and it will transfer to you.

 Hopefully one of these methods for overcoming a rut helps you, or inspires you to explore what makes you happy. If your cup filling list differs to mine let me know down below in the comments. Can't wait to hear from you!

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