6 TIPS FOR GETTING OUT OF AN EMOTIONAL RUT

Here are some tips to put a spring back in your step so you can feel motivated again, just in time for the new season.

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It's easy to get stuck in the same old routine – some days you might feel like your life mimics the movie Groundhog Day. It's important to keep your mind stimulated (and no, we don't mean doom scrolling on your phone for hours on end!)

FACTOR IN SOME MORE ME-TIME
Consider you're making the best use of your free time by doing things you feel passionate about. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential – after all, you can't pour from an empty cup. Self-care doesn't have to be about face masks and bubble baths. It's about whatever you like to do that helps you to unwind, relax and, at the end of the day, make you feel better about yourself.

SET SMALL, ACHIEVABLE DAILY GOALS
The word 'goals' will send shivers down the spine of the most motivated person. That's why it's important that the goals you set for yourself aren't grandiose. Completing small, manageable tasks each day will give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum to tackle larger tasks. Even if you start by waking up 10 minutes earlier every day to sit outside and journal while you sip your morning coffee, that's the start of a healthier routine.

TRY A NEW LOBBY
If you're bored of your current pastimes, maybe it's time to try something new. Shake things up by trying out a new hobby, joining a social game of soccer or a sport you enjoy, signing up for a monthly quiz night at your local bar, a different exercise routine, or studying something you've always wanted to learn. These experiences have the power to ignite your creativity and bring a surge of excitement into your life.

DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
The state of your home often mirrors your state of mind. Don't chastise yourself for accumulating clutter – instead, understand that it may be a sign of where you are mentally and emotionally. Sometimes a simple decluttering can give you a fresh perspective. Set a day aside where you spring-clean your home, or even just your bedroom. You might find it will lift a significiant weight off your shoulders.

MANAGE YOUR SCREEN TIME
From the time we wake up, to when we're at work, to when we wind down for the evening, we're overloaded with screens. This constant barrage of information (not to mention the effect looking at a screen has on your eyes) can lead to overstimulation and anxiety. Make a point of limiting your screen time using your phone's built-in settings, an app, or applying the Pomodoro technique when working, where you work for a set time (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
If you find that this 'rut' is going on for longer than expected, and you're starting to neglect yourself or are finding it increasingly difficult to interact with loved ones, consider seeking support from a life coach, counsellor, or therapist. This doesn't mean you have failed – in fact, it's a sign of resiliency and strength, as it shows you're committed to improving your life, which in turn will improve your relationship with others.