Getting Out of a Rut

Sometimes when we are emotionally drained, stressed out, or tired, we may find ourselves getting stuck in a rut. Days may start to feel the same, tasks start feeling tedious, and you start losing motivation. It can be days, weeks, or even months being stuck in a rut. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, getting out of a rut can be very difficult. I want to help you find ways to get out of a rut so you can start to feel better emotionally, mentally, and physically. I want you to be able to see the sun on your darkest days, so here are some tips and strategies that will hopefully help you feel more motivated and energized. 

If you have a routine that you have fallen out of, try your best to get back on it. Set your alarm to wake you up at your desired time and instead of snoozing (which is hard to resist, I know), get up right away turn on your lights, and open your blinds or curtains. Letting light into your room right away will wake you up more and prevent you from getting back into bed. To further prevent you from getting back into bed, make your bed right away. I do this every day and it helps me out a lot. It seems like a small task that would not benefit you much, but it has been proven to help boost motivation and make you feel better about your day as you have already completed a task right after waking up. 

If you have been doing your normal routine and still feel like you are in a rut, perhaps try changing it up a little bit. You can add something to your routine that you know you like to do such as reading in the morning, taking a cold shower, doing skin-care, etc. Or you can add in something new like drinking lemon water, going on a morning walk, or something else you have been trying to do. Adding something new to your routine brings a bit of excitement and spontaneity to your day. A new sense of curiosity can be great for getting you out of a rut. 

Another strategy to help you out of a rut is to buddy up with a friend, family member, or partner on a task. If you both have homework or chores to do or you both want to get into working out, set up a time when you can do it together. I find that buddying up with my roommates helps me out tremendously when I am doing homework or going to the gym. If you cannot meet up in person, you can Facetime or do text “check-ins” to motivate each other to complete the task. Having another person with you tends to make the task less boring and keeps you motivated and determined to complete the task. 

If you are feeling unmotivated or stuck in a rut and would like to chat with a professional counselor, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477. We would love to work with you. 

Written By: Emme D. 

Undergrad Intern 2024