Dig Yourself Out Of A Rut (No Shovel Required)
7 practical things you can do RIGHT NOW to dig yourself out of a rut.
We’re optimistic humans as long as things are going our way.
In the morning, after a sound sleep, we high-five the fellow caffeine depleted in line. “Have a great day!” we say and skip off to work.
The plumber who scheduled to snake the toilet at 8 a.m. arrived at 7:50 IN THE MORNING.
Shoot, you can’t believe how great things are going.
Then something changes.
Often it isn’t even because of our doing but it falls on us.
A call from the school that a kid’s in trouble. Your boss demands you cancel vacation plans to pitch in on a project. The guy who showed promise brings his ex-girlfriend to date #2.
And the next thing you know your mantra becomes” “life sucks”. You fall down, down, down and little by little the daylight fades.
When you identify the source of what got you there, it’s easier to climb out. It’s a little bit of tough love, but while you’re in the dark cold hole there’s a good opportunity to clear your head.
You can get out of this. It’s time to reclaim what’s yours.
Write it out
If you can scribble a grocery list, you can write out your feelings.
Something’s twisted your knickers or someone’s royally pissed you off. Put a pen to paper. Wring the problem (or the bastard) out of your system.
Please don’t leave behind any evidence that can be used against you in a court of law. Shred or burn what you’ve written.
See? Feeling better already.
Talk it out
Can you be civil for five minutes?
Have a heart-to-heart conversation with your offender. Your goal is to salvage a good relationship, or your job.
If you truly need to get shit off your chest, and the ship of civility has sailed, have the conversation with yourself.
Say what’s on your mind. Use all the colorful language you want. Really let ’em have it.
Don’t do this in public or you might find yourself whisked away by nice men in white coats.
Do something creative with your hands
This is a family show so let’s keep it clean people.
Make some bread. Feel your hands knead the dough.
Brush the dog.
If painting is therapeutic, there’s always a wall that needs a fresh coat.
If you must…go someplace private, and play solitaire.
Family. Show.
Get physical
There’s a reason that punching bags were invented. Ditto for golf clubs and baseball bats and tennis rackets.
Go for a run, a long hike in the mountains or a bike ride around town.
Move your body.
Let it get sweaty and exhausted.
It’s hard to be stuck when you’re firing on all cylinders.
Breathe it out
If meditation is something that works for you, find a quiet place and get centered. Focus on your breathing and relax.
Play some music.
Pray.
Listen to the birds.
Lie on the grass and be still as you watch the clouds roll by.
Sing it out
Crank up the music and sing at the top of your lungs. Channel your inner diva. Play carpool karaoke with your kids. You pass nuts like this every day on the road belting out frustrations. If singing makes you self-conscious, hum. Really loud.
Do something for somebody else
Nothing gets your mind off you than doing something for someone.
Is there an elderly person who needs an errand done?
A neighbor’s dog you can walk?
A sick person whose hand you can hold?
Volunteer in a soup kitchen. Bake some muffins for the local fire department. You get the idea.
Forget you.
The thing about being stuck in a rut is that it’s usually temporary. A shift in your thinking, a change in location or just plain getting out of your own way, will get you out of the hole. No shovel is required.
BE F♥CKING AWESOME TODAY! (and every day)
OTHER RELATED POSTS:
Do These 6 Things To Be Happy Today
The Five Minute Rule of Civility
10 Simple Ways To Create Your Best Day
Original graphic: Stephanie DelTorchio
CLICK HERE to get these posts by EMAIL
No comments yet.
Add your comment