How to Pull Yourself Out of a Rut

Photo Credit: Debbini via Flickr

At some point in our lives we can get so stressed out and worry to the point of pushing the people we care for most, away.

The past couple of weeks have been  rough. I had gotten “stuck in a rut” and knew that if I didn’t pull myself out of it soon, I could get very sick. I had to do something, fast.

It doesn’t have to be difficult to crawl out of that hole. Here is how I climbed out of mine. Hope it helps get you started in the right direction.

Stop worrying so much

If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying.  It’s the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.  ~Dale Carnegie

Yes, this can be a tough one, but you must catch yourself every time you begin to worry about the little things. Turn your attention to something productive. Remind yourself that you can’t control certain situations or other people’s opinion. And above all else,

Motivate and Inspire Others

Attitudes are contagious.  Are yours worth catching?  ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering

I noticed that when encouraging and helping others, it lifts me up. After awhile, I began to believe those positive things for myself.

Make a List of your Best Qualities

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

We turn into someone we aren’t the more depressed we get. Remind yourself of all the positive qualities you have. This helped remind me of all the wonderful things I achieved and how much I missed being that happy.

Start a Positive Journal

The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.  ~Norbet Platt

Start a Journal and dedicate it it to only positive things – Doodles, Quotes, compliments, achievements, etc. anything positive, even the little things.

Start Pinterest

If you don’t know what Pinterest is, this is is the best time to check it out. People “Pin” things that inspire them from the web – quotes, food, books, clothes, decor, you name it. You then sort your “pins” into categories, called “boards”. Here is mine as an example.

Surround Yourself with Great People

In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out.  It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.  ~Albert Schweitzer

Family will always be there for you ( I hope they would be for you) but sometimes, no matter how much they encourage and cheer us up, it’s not the same as someone not related- like a friend- telling you the same things. A friends opinion seems to matter more or just “click.” At least it did for for me. Besides, a true friend has no problem lighting a fire under your a**.

Other Changes

You must welcome change as the rule but not as your ruler.  ~Denis Waitley

Routines are great for consistency and to feel safe, but it can also limit you. Get out more, do different things, change your routine. Be silly. Try something new. Whatever you do, mix it up.

For those who don’t know me, my life revolves around the coffee industry. It was difficult to accept that I needed to do something that was not coffee-related. I ended up applying for a position completely different from anything I’ve done (I will know more about the job next week). Yes, it was scary. Sometimes you have to throw yourself into something different without thinking too much.

Be Spiritual

Whatever your version of this is, do it. I personally pray, be with nature, meditate, do yoga, reflect, or anything else to regain my equilibrium.

Mindset is Key

Happiness is an attitude.  We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.  The amount of work is the same.  ~Francesca Reigler

Above all else, your attitude determines whether or not you’ll be happy. Decide right now to be happy and continue looking forward.

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What other ways do you pick yourself up? Share with us in the comments.

If you need someone to talk to, feel free to email me.

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