I had a bit of a revelation in the last month, and it was not one that I was happy to reveal. I have – and kind of still am – in a personal rut. It took me a while to realize that this is precisely what I have been experiencing because I am a pragmatist. I know that life isn’t always sunflowers and whipped cream. I know it can be difficult, and just the task of staying afloat in its ebb and flow can become daunting, therefore causing it to lose its flavor. However, the feelings that have recently taken over me are distinctively something more.

Though it’s not uncommon for us to inadvertently get caught up in the tedium of everyday life, it is essential to our well being that we recognize the signs of being in a rut and make some changes quickly before too much time escapes us. So, if any of these apply to you, sorry to say, you may be experiencing a rut as well.

  • Accomplishing tasks, but with noticeably less excitement and vigor.
  • Feeling lackluster when doing things that used to evoke happiness.
  • Experiencing ennui in your day-to-day.
  • Creatively stagnant and uninspired.

If they do, don’t fret. You’re not alone, and there is hope. Humankind is acutely aware of these feelings, and some things have been proven to pick you up and out of a rut. Here are a few:

  1. Harness the power of the opposite. If you have been doing the same thing, in the same way, over a prolonged period of time, it is probably time to switch it up. All you have to do is do the opposite – it’s really that easy. Run instead of walk. If you eat late at night, eat earlier in the day. If you find yourself on your phone mindlessly scrolling at all hours of the night, then stop.
  2. Lighten up. Not everything is within your control, and sometimes – as tricky as it may be – just has to be accepted. Once you have experienced the ease of alleviation, you’ll definitely reconsider taking the reins every time.
  3. Say yes. This may be the only way to truly get out of your comfort zone. Being open to new experiences and not shutting them down, just may be what you need to shake it up.
  4. Follow your gut. We often underestimate the power of our instinct. It the most innate ability we have as humans, yet we have been taught to question it, and more often, ignore it. But going against our instinct is probably a factor as to why you are in this rut in the first place, so its time to start listening.

About The Author

If its related to food, culture, health, wellness, or travel Seffrah is interested. A Cali native, she was born and raised in the seaside community of Long Beach and adores its vibrant culture completely. When she is not writing, she is consuming culture in some fashion, whether by wandering museums, embarking on culinary adventures, or browsing thrift stores for old novels and cookbooks to add to her collection.

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