Getting out of a rut
This list of suggestions starts with a shallow rut, and makes its way to a deep rut. Meaning, if you can’t entertain the first recommendation, move to the next.
Exercise and choose healthy foods. Research supports exercise and healthy eating to reduce inflammation, replenish helpful neurotransmitters and restore brain function.
Don’t want to go for a walk? Get outside. Just sitting in nature could help. No books, no music, no phone, just be. More and more research is supporting the therapeutic use of nature for mood disorders.
Don’t want to get off the couch? Try an inspiring or funny movie or book. I don’t know about you, but when I’m deep in a rut, I turn into a . Doing something that involves staying home on the couch is a good first step. This is not a long term fix, but it can be a start.
Analyze your rut. Why are you in it? What can you change to help you feel better? What can you accept to help you feel better?
Can’t bring yourself to do any of the above? Sometimes you just have to ride it out. I was in a big rut since returning from a vacation and basically sat around not doing anything that makes me feel alive.
I wish someone showed me this list so I didn’t go straight to number 5. But today I woke up feeling motivated to change my circumstances.
When is it more than a rut?
See a doctor if you have a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure. Signs of depression also include significant change in eating patterns or weight, loss of energy, change in sleep patterns, feeling worthless, thoughts of death or suicide.
Help is there if you need it.
