I’m in a rut right now. No doubt about that! I know it won’t last long, but I’m definitely in a rut for the time being. I have been down this path before, but what really matters is I know that I will get through it eventually. Yet, I sit here, in a rut.
There are so many of us feeling the same way right now. The good thing is that we are going through it all together. Lots of us are in ruts right now, but we will be okay! It is really hard to tell if you are experiencing your own version of a ‘rut’. Do you have any tell-tale signs that warn you of your mental and emotional state? I definitely know myself enough to know when I hit that low place, yet it is still hard to come to terms with it, isn’t it?
No one knows yourself as well as you do. (okay, but sometimes my mom knows more than I do which can be scary!) Chances are you know your individual personality and habits. When you’re in a rut, it can be extremely hard to feel normal. It is really hard to distinguish it sometimes! For me, my thoughts tend to be foggy when I’m in this state.
If you’re questioning whether you are in a rut or not, or even if you’re wondering how to get out of one, this post is for you! Hopefully you find my thoughts on this topic to be helpful to you. In this post, I will tell you my top signs of telling wether you are stuck in a rut. I will also share my top tips for pulling yourself out!
*I am not a mental health professional, and this post is based on my own personal thoughts and experiences. Make sure to always consult with a mental health professional!*
5 Signs That You Are Stuck in a Rut
1) You don’t feel like doing things you used to enjoy.
You used to love baking, hiking, shopping, spending time with friends, crafts, etc., but now, you just can’t get yourself to do any of those things. I’ve been there! The things that you think would make you feel better just don’t sound appealing. Take some time to relax. You will get back to your favorite activities in due time.
2) You have been neglecting your health.
When you stop doing the things you normally do to keep yourself healthy, you might be in a rut or in a funk. Maybe you stopped going on morning walks without a reason, you’ve been neglecting your gym buddy, or your diet has gone down the toilet. If you find that your routine is a little off, you might want to take a look at your moods and mental state. Are you stressed or worried? Take some time to rest and reflect, but remember, keeping yourself healthy will only make you feel better.
3) Your usually neat space is now very cluttered.
Maybe you haven’t done the dishes yet, maybe your laundry is piling up three times as high, or maybe you have just let your clutter build up. If you start to notice that you haven’t been keeping your space as neat as it usually is (or if things have just gotten out of hand), maybe you are in a rut. Take this time to look at your personal habits to see if something is off.
4) Your work or schoolwork is suffering.
This is probably one of the most obvious signs to tell if you are stuck in the rut. If you start to notice your grades start going down, you’re missing deadlines, or your boss is noticing a lack in the quality of your work, you might need to take a look at your current state of mind. It is hard to realize if you are stuck in a rut or in a funk. Give yourself a day or two and you will feel a big difference.
5) You just went through a major life change or event.
You can find yourself down in the dumps or in a rut even a few weeks after a major life change or event. You might not even see it coming! After a break up, for example, you could feel positive and happy with yourself, but then the next day, you might find yourself feeling depressed or off. Find some time to reflect on the past events. You deserve to feel everything and to take time to process everything you’ve been through.
A Few Tips for Pulling Yourself Out of a Rut
- make a plan
- make intentions
- find someone to keep you accountable
- read a motivational book
- talk to a friend or trusted family member
- get some exercise
- take yourself on a date
- treat yourself to something nice, like a manicure or massage
- go to bed early
- give yourself a new wardrobe
- read a new book from your favorite genre
- take a drive to the mountains
- take a day trip to the beach
- plan a vacation for the future
- paint or draw
- cook a new recipe
- binge a new series
- gut out your closet
- plant a garden
- drink some extra coffee
- buy yourself flowers