Have you ever been stuck in a negative rut? One that you wanted so badly to break out of, but you just couldn’t figure out how to? I have been there many times before. I’m sure you’ve been there, too. Getting caught up in a negative rut happens to everyone at some point, but the important thing is that we learn how to fight through those times.
Whenever I’m caught in a negative rut, my mind thinks really down about myself and everything around me. I have never been a huge optimist, so that usually makes ruts like this even harsher on myself. Can anyone resonate with me?
Today, I want to share some ways that have been helpful to me when trying to break free from a negative rut in my life. Even though I’m speaking from my own personal experiences, I really do believe that implementing even just a few of these practices in your life can truly make all of the difference and help you break free of the negative rut you’re in.
[bctt tweet=”9 Things To Do When You’re Stuck In A Negative Rut” username=”SummerTelban”]
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE STUCK IN A NEGATIVE RUT:
Wallow For A Few Minutes // Whenever I’m stuck in a state of negativity, people always tell me to “just get over it”, but that’s something I just can’t do. While others look at wallowing to be a negative thing, I think it can be used for good when it’s needed. When I allow myself a few minutes to wallow, I’m more apt to bounce back sooner than I would if I pretended all was well. You may disagree, but try it the next time you’re in a negative rut. It may help you as it does me!
Get Up & Moving // I don’t know about you, but when I’m feeling down I’d rather lay around and do nothing all day. Not only is this unproductive, but it’s also getting me nowhere. I find if I get up off the couch and am moving about, I start to feel better. A simple workout, walk to the store, or even going for a little drive can do wonders for you.
Related Reading: 12 Daily Habits To Boost Your Mood
Have A Positive Outlet To Turn To // It’s important that you have a hobby that you can take part in to turn away from whatever negativity is tripping you up. For me, one of my favorite positive outlets is dancing. Dancing allows me to transfer my energy into art, instead of focusing my energy on negativity. What’s one of your positive outlets?
[bctt tweet=”Stuck in a negative rut? Have a positive outlet to turn to! Have some fun!” username=”SummerTelban”]
Do Something Fun // When you get stuck in a negative rut, oftentimes it could be because you’ve been neglecting to have fun in your life. If you’re only focused on work or tasks on your to-do list, you’re going to get stuck. Let loose and have some fun! Go midnight bowling with a few friends or take a mini road trip your next day off.
Write Down Everything That You’re Happy About // When we’re caught up in a negative rut, one of the things we tend to forget about is gratefulness. One of the ways that I’m able to exercise gratefulness in my life during a dry season is to write down everything I’m happy about. I jot down the big things and the tiniest things – they all count. When you take the time to acknowledge what’s bringing you joy, you’ll feel a weight lifted off of you.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others // Being completely honest, when I’m stuck in a negative rut, I tend to start to compare myself to others who seem to have it all together. I start the negative self-talk and compare, compare, compare. This is extremely unhealthy and it’s completely unfair to myself. Remind yourself that everyone gets stuck in ruts once in a while, whether they admit it or not. Stop comparing your worst day ever to someone else’s best day ever.
[bctt tweet=”Stop comparing your worst day ever to someone else’s best day ever.” username=”SummerTelban”]
Related Reading: How To Practice Positive Self Talk
Engage In Self-Care // Self-care is something that you should always be focusing on in your life. Self-care ties into the points about doing something fun and having a positive outlet. Make sure you’re getting the proper amount of sleep each night and make sure you’re eating properly. Check in and make sure you’re treating your body with love and that you’re not neglecting self-care to focus on unnecessary stresses.
Surround Yourself With Uplifting People // If you’re surrounding yourself with people who are negative all of the time, you probably won’t break free of your rut quickly. It’s important that you surround yourself with people that believe in you, cheer you on, and are overall positive. You want your tribe to be full of others who speak truth into your life and who help pull you out of your rut.
[bctt tweet=”You want your tribe to be full of others who reach down & help pull you out of your rut.” username=”SummerTelban”]
Believe In Yourself & Cheer Yourself On // I always thought it was so cheesy when people told me to believe in myself or to cheer myself on. You know what, it kind of is! But…the more you cheer yourself on and see the potential you possess, the easier it’ll become to convince yourself that you are more than the rut you’re in. Believe in yourself.
Friends, what are some ways that you get yourself out of negative ruts? Do you practice some of these activities? What works for you? Stay encouraged!
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