Feeling Stuck? Hit the Reset Button With These 5 Tips

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.  

How Can You Tell If You’re Stuck?

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.

• Life feels monotonous; one day blends into the next with little to no variety.
• You’ve lost the spark that used to drive you to do creative projects or try new hobbies.
• You struggle to get excited or find the joy in things. 
• You want to try something new, but you fear failure or rejection. 

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.

Ways to Get Yourself Out of a Rut 

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. 

1. Shake Things Up

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. 

2. Go Outside More

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.

3. Live in the Moment 

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. 

4. Set Goals for a Brighter Future

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.

5. Forgive Yourself

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. 

Where to Turn When It’s Time to Start Fresh

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.