Have you been feeling "blah" as of late? Maybe lacking in motivation, energy, or your usual zest for life? Then it may be high time you get yourself out of that slump, and put a little effort into feeling better.
Because let's be honest, nobody wants to feel like they're stuck in a rut, and it's certainly not fun to sit around feeling uninspired and unmotivated. And yet it seems to happen on the regular. We've all trudged off to work feeling less than stellar, or sat at home in the evening with no idea how to spend our time.
This is why I think "slump" is the perfect word for the feeling. We literally slump our way through the day — physically and mentally — instead of going after our goals, enjoying our jobs, or pursuing hobbies. It's totally normal to do this for a short amount of time, especially if you are figuring yourself out, or taking a break from the whirlwind that is life. Just don't let it get out of control, and certainly don't let your slump go on for too long.
If it has, then here are some ways to snap out of it, and get yourself back on track.
1. Acknowledge The Slump
When you only feel vaguely bad, it can be difficult to recognize there's a problem. That's why you have to be honest with yourself and do something about the "blah" feeling, even if it doesn't feel that horrible. "A slump is no different than any other problem or obstacle in life — you can't simply stick your head in the sand and deny that it exists," said Chris Winfield on Inc.com. "Acknowledge that there is a problem. Start here."
2. Fake It 'Til You Make It
OK, so once you've admitted to feeling less than great, it's time to make some changes. Perhaps one of the easier ways to snap out of it, so to speak, is with the old "fake it 'til you make it" mentality. "Get out there with a smile on your face ... Rise and grind and proudly walk out the door tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. like it's the norm and you love it," suggested Sheila Amir on EliteDaily.com. This forced positivity may just start to stick.
3. Change Up Your Morning Routine
It's normal to feel like life's a little vanilla when you do the same thing everyday. So make an effort to change up your routine, starting with what you do first thing in the a.m. If you normally wake up with moments to spare before work, try getting up a little earlier and having yourself a morning. It may sound like pure fantasy, but I promise those early hours of the day are the perfect time to read, write, exercise, and enjoy the proverbial "me" time. It may be just what you need.
4. Fill Your Brain With Positivity
You don't have to walk around with rose-colored glasses, pretending the world to be a perfect place. But you also don't have to expose yourself to too much negativity. "We have to be very careful about what we allow into our minds on a consistent basis. The news, negative people, darkness — it can all make us feel worse," Winfield said. "Read, watch, and listen to things that are going to uplift you, not depress you."
5. Surround Yourself With Good People
To make the above tip easier, focus on surrounding yourself with awesome, motivated, and positive people. "Take a close look at whom you are with the most and what their attitudes are like. If they are disproportionately negative, make some changes. Start seeking out people who are positive and are going to lift you up," Winfield suggested.
6. Be All About The Post-It Note
Take a moment to sit down and write out your goals, whether they be short-term, long-term, or both. It's totally worth the time, especially since one recent study showed that those who wrote down their goals accomplished significantly more than those who did not write down their goals, according to Ashley Feinstein on Forbes.com. You can even go one better by writing your goals on Post-It notes, and sticking them around your apartment. (Think by your bed, or on your bathroom mirror.) They'll serve as little reminders to stay motivated.
7. List What Makes You Happy
If you're in a slump because you don't have any goals, never fear. As Rachel Nussbaum said on Greatist.com, "... if you're not entirely sure what your endgame is, try tracking what makes you happy." Keep a running list in your phone, and look for patterns. For example, if all things food make you happy, then maybe it's time to take a cooking class. See what I mean?
8. Get Your Blood Pumping
I don't know about you, but I don't feel so great after a day spent sitting at a desk. And when I let such a feeling go on for weeks (or months), that stiffness and lack of energy can really start to take its toll on me mentally, as well. That's why I highly suggest some light exercise to help lift the fogginess that is your slump. Might I suggest a walk outside, or a quick trip to the gym? A little endorphin boost will do wonders.
9. Go Get Inspired
The moment you realize you're in a slump, life can suddenly be all about finding new sources of inspiration. "Take a different route to work, listen to unfamiliar music, try unusual foods, visit an interesting store ... or watch a TED talk video on an innovative idea," said Preston Ni M.S.B.A., on Psychology Today. "As your perspective widens to fresh stimulus, so will your creativity." And that's the perfect way to start feeling better again.
10. Help Someone Else
If all of the above sounds like too much to handle, then perhaps helping someone else may motivate you to make some changes. "One of the best ways to change your entire mood is to help someone else. It's quite possibly the most effective (and gratifying) way to truly get out of yourself and give back," Winfield said. Plus, it's a win-win for everyone.
11. Figure Out What Your Slump Is Trying To Tell You
If all else fails, try to figure out what your slump is trying to tell you. It could be you need to change jobs, move to a new town, or start a new relationship. If a few simple tweaks don't do the trick, consider making a major change. It just might do the trick.
Whatever you do, don't let a slump go on for too long. The moment you realize life is less than exciting, less than motivated, and less than inspirational, take measures to jolt yourself back to life.
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