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We all go through periods of feeling stuck – especially this year, which has brought us so many challenges and forced us to limit the scope of our lives in various ways. If you’re having trouble finding the motivation to move forward, use these tips to break out of a rut.
When you follow the same routine day after day, it can begin to seem less like you’re an active participant in your life, and more as if you’re merely treading water. Here are some of the signs that you might be stuck in a rut.
Sometimes, the feeling of being stuck in a rut is a symptom of depression. If your lack of energy and enthusiasm for life has persisted for many months with no end in sight, seek help from a mental health professional such as a therapist, who can recommend healthy coping strategies.
Once you’ve recognized that you feel stuck, it’s time to find ways to rediscover your zeal for life and keep moving forward. Here are some strategies for hitting the reset button.
If it seems like you’ve only been going through the motions, step outside your comfort zone and change your daily routine. Try a new activity or sign up for a course on a topic that has always interested you. Connect with your community by volunteering for a cause you support, which will help broaden your horizons and let you meet new people with the same interests as yours.
Being in the great outdoors can have astonishing benefits for your mental and physical well-being, and can also replenish your creativity. Next time you feel stressed or anxious, try taking a walk or even sitting outside for a few minutes. If you meditate or do yoga, take your practice outdoors and reap even more mind-clearing rewards.
Sometimes, feeling stuck happens because we let our regrets about the past or our fears about the future weigh us down. You can overcome this issue by learning to live in the moment. Focus your attention fully on whatever you’re doing, whether that’s eating, gardening or taking care of daily chores. You’ll become better at your tasks, and you’ll be at greater peace with yourself.
Another reason you might struggle with your motivation is that you haven’t given yourself anything new to shoot for. If you have nothing to look forward to, life can start to feel stale and dull. For example, life goals related to your career, your finances or your relationships can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When you check one goal off your list, challenge yourself to aim even higher.
Do your mistakes – no matter how minor – often come back to haunt you? Dwelling on things that haven’t gone your way is a surefire sign of being caught up in an unproductive thinking pattern that will harm you in the long run. Next time you catch yourself dwelling on mistakes, take a few deep breaths to consciously shift your thoughts from negativity to positivity. Think of occasions when things have gone well for you instead. Remind yourself that nobody’s perfect. If you find it difficult to break the cycle, specialized therapy for substance abuse can provide valuable tools to address negative thinking patterns and promote healthier coping strategies.
Drug and alcohol abuse creates a vicious cycle that represents another way people can get stuck in a rut. Luckily, you could still wipe the slate clean. Beach House’s clinically excellent approach to addiction treatment will give you a tailored treatment plan to address the underlying cause of a substance use disorder and equip you with tools to live a sober, healthy life. Connect with us when you’re ready to learn more.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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