Are you stuck in a rut?

I was stuck in a rut over the past few days and it wasn't pretty. Let's just say that I was completely out of it at a time that I really needed to be productive and make progress. I was frustrated not knowing why I was holding myself back, feeling so low and incapable. Looking back at it I realised that it was ok to have such days. I'm learning to navigate through tough times mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, maybe we can do this together?

Why was I in a rut? Well, that is what I kept asking myself and truth be told I didn't fully know. I continuously felt as if my mind had hit a roadblock.

What is a rut?

I consider a 'rut' or a 'funk' (as I like to call it) a period when you are 'out of work/place mode'. I say this because you can physically feel as though you are ready to get things done and maybe you mentally desire to be productive but something just isn't working right. You feel helpless and a bit lost in your thoughts, emotions or whatever it may be.

What does it feel like?

Honestly being in funk sucks! I don't know about you but I feel very low in energy, unproductive, moody or even upset. I try to talk myself out of it - but something just isn't right. Being in a funk feels worse, and it leaves you deflated. Oh, I forgot to mention that it sometimes leaves me feeling tired... drained in what every wellbeing aspect it chooses.

Why does it happen?

From my experience, I think that I get in a funk when I feel uninspired/bored. I know myself enough to say -when I have an inspiration, this drives me and I flow really well- others might say that 'they are on a roll'. I also find that I feel stuck in a rut when there is something else I'd rather be doing but feel like I can't. Don't get me wrong I love education, the best part for me is when I can apply it to the things I love in a practical way. But sometimes I find myself wanting to do more creative things totally unrelated or dare I say 'less important'. Therefore internally I'm arguing what I should be focusing on. Lastly, I believe being in a funk is a way of showing that we are simply feel deflated or burnt out. Although we don't want to get to this point to realise this, occasionally we need an obvious reminder to take a break and re-evaluate ourselves.

The length of a rut varies for everyone - for some hours, others days, weeks- and while it is temporary it can really ruin/waste our time. It sounds odd but a 'funk' has to be embraced so as to appreciate the better days ahead. A bad day is when things are really out of our control, nothing goes as planned and you feel horrible- kinda sounds like what funk is right? Good news is there's always a better side to things, we just have to make a good effort to find it.

Tips to get out of a funk:

1. Lift your spirits.

You have to find ways to make yourself smile and happy. This means you can't consume anything that reflects your current feels (e.g. moody or sad). Let me give you an example that we can all relate to; when you're feeling low you default to listening to music that is slow and sad. While you might relate to the lyrics of the songs it won't help you feel any better- take it from me. Instead, I want you to consume information that projects how you want to feel (happy, productive, energetic etc).

2. See it from a different perspective.

In order to come out of a funk, you need to see it from the perspective that you are out of it. To help with this, find time to journal what you are grateful for. Sometimes we forget the good and focus on the bad which is not helpful. Writing or in this day and age typing (hehe) how you feel will help you to be more mindful and this will eventually shift your negative mood to positive.

3. Don't be hard on yourself.

A funk is hard to explain and it may be inconvenient especially if you have deadlines but there is no point in beating yourself up. You must learn how to embrace the temporary state your in and be hopeful that you will feel much better. Don't be afraid to ask for help or a listening ear to support the weird emotions you experience during your funk. It helped me to speak to someone.

4. Fulfil your own needs.

We know ourselves best. As hard as it may be, we need to ask ourself why we get into 'ruts' and create a solution. We must learn to do things for ourselves- take action. I knew, with help, that I needed to get outdoors or exercise to lift my spirits. I was resistant to the idea but I knew if I didn't I wouldn't have seen changes. What you need might not be exercise, although it does have a great effect, it could be a break, surrounding yourself with caring people etc. My point is, deep down you know what you need, so it's up to you to help yourself.

Just like how we work through a 'funk' we can make the best out of bad days. I've learnt to be ok with having those low moment and understood ways to deal with them. Comment below if you can relate to being in a funk or having a bad day.