Stuck in a Rut? Nine Simple Ways to End Boredom and Feel Reenergized

by Dr. Annette on March 5, 2009 · 7 comments

Bored? Stuck in a Rut www.AnnetteColby.comI know I’ve been talking about an early spring here in Dallas for the past several weeks. That’s because it’s just so amazingly beautiful that I can’t contain myself. I’m feeling alive and my creative juices are overflowing.

But I realize that in many regions of the US, and in other parts of the world where some of our other readers live, it’s still the dead of winter. Stuck in winter’s dreary cold grip, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut.

When we’re stuck in a rut we feel bored. The annoyance, the irritation, the repetitiveness. We want more out of life than we’re currently getting. Life seems flat, meaningless, colorless.

If you are stuck in a rut because of a long tedious winter, or if you are just plain bored with your environment, then today’s article is for you. Below are nine easy ways to shake things up and get some creative energy flowing today.

1. Conscious Breath

It all starts with breath! Conscious breath. Taking a conscious breath relaxes and energizes. Breath after breath, real life comes forth again. It brings you back into into the present moment, out from the past, and out from the future. In the here and now, breath brings energy, relaxation, and clarity. Breath in deeply, slowly, and consciously, and exhale. Do it again! Feel the difference?

2. Do Something You Aren’t Doing Now

It’s easy to get into a rut with the same uninspiring routine every day. You get up out of the same side of the bed, shower and wash your body parts in the same order, drive to work on the same route, then come home to watch television on the same spot on the sofa every There is an easy way out. Do something you aren’t doing now. Do something different! Something big, something small, something silly, something out of the ordinary.  Wear one black sock and one red sock. Wash your feet before you wash your hair. Hold your tongue instead of bickering with your spouse. Take a walk to the neighborhood grocery store instead of driving. Do one thing different and make a positive difference in your life today life.

3. Talk to Yourself Lovingly

Self-talk tends to gravitate toward the negative. This self-critical self-talk rut can rob you of your enthusiasm for your dreams and leave you feeling less confident. It’s not necessary to control your negative thoughts or to only think positive ones. Instead, look into the mirror regularly, focus on what you’re doing right, and speak constructively to yourself. Realistic constructive self-talk can reduce stress, leave you feeling more capable, and help you put more enjoyment into your life.

4. Love Your Body

It’s easy to fall into a routine of neglecting, mistreating, or even hating your body. No matter what your weight or health, do something radically different today. Walk on over to the nearest mirror and have a real conversation with your body. Tell it what a great job it’s been doing of helping you go through the experience of life. And no matter how much abuse or neglect you’ve put it through, it’s still done its best to give you a home to live in.

5. Stop Complaining

Complaining about how things are is an easy habit to fall into. But complaining doesn’t resolve a situation. And deep down it doesn’t provide much satisfaction. Next time you find yourself complaining, take a breath and switch your focus to something that is going right or well in your world. What you give your attention and focus to will grow.

6. Get Outside

Have you been hibernating indoors? Too many hours sitting behind your computer or in front of the television? The average person spends about 90% of their times indoors. Staying indoors for too long can leave you bored, not to mention unhealthy. Fresh air, sunshine, and natural scenery provide peace, relaxation, greater psychological resilience, and stimulation of all your senses. No matter what the weather is, get geared up and head outside into nature. Sharpened senses, psychological health, and greater connection to your spirit will all get you out of the rut.

7. Clean the Clutter

Get your energy moving by taking a good look at your environment. Clutter drains your energy and can leave you feeling uninspired. Are your closets stuffed with too many clothes and shoes? Are your kitchen pantry, shelves, and drawers filled with old boxes of food, stacks of unorganized Tupperware, and trashy catchall drawers? Is your office overflowing with piles of magazines, stacks of paper, and unfiled receipts?  It’s never easy to start cleaning your clutter. To avoid overwhelm, take fifteen minutes every day to tackle one area. When the time is up, just leave it until the next day. You’ll feel successful and your clutter will be gone in no time at all. Think of all the energy you’ll free up to enjoy life!

8. Redecorate

Give your life a much needed lift by redecorating your living or working space. How about painting the walls a new color? Vibrant colors can leave you feeling invigorated and enthusiastic. Don’t feel like painting? Rearrange the furniture and rotate the pictures on the walls. Rearranging furniture is one of the easiest ways to feel refreshed. Rearranging brings variety, clears energy, and helps you sort things out in your head.

9. Define Fun

It’s a big world out there and there’s so many ways to have fun. And so many definitions of fun. Where do you find fun? Is it being creative, being alone, being in good company, enjoying the fresh air, laughing, going on an adventure, or perhaps trying something new? Write down your list of ideas, activities, and actions that bring the fun back into your life. Then go out and have some fun!

Being stuck in a rut can leave you unmotivated and uninspired. If you find yourself in a rut, use these nine ideas to break free. Simple changes can get you energized, happier, and living life the way you really want to once again.

About the Author: If you’re wanting a boost or ready to get a helping hand out of your rut, give me a call. In as little as one session, we can clear some of the blocks and get your creative energy rolling again. www.AnnetteColby.com

 

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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

Stephen - Rat Race Trap March 5, 2009 at 12:06 pm

Annette, this is fantastic! I love it. My favorites are:

Talk to Yourself Lovingly
Love Your Body
Get Outside

Keep up the good work.

Reply

Dr. Annette March 5, 2009 at 1:51 pm

Hi Stephen,

Thanks! Your top three favorites are mine also.

Of course, it all starts with that first conscious breath. Only then are we able to come down into our bodies, connect with our true self, and make the right decision for who and where we are right now.

Today, my most compassionate actions are to:

1. Breathe love, share love
2. Focus on my writing project
3. Get outdoors and play in the sunshine
4. Go to the gym (because of all the sitting/writing)
5. Cook a great dinner (I LOVE to cook!)

Create a fantastic day,
Annette

Reply

Kathleen March 6, 2009 at 9:23 am

Yahoooo! Temperatures are rising and the snow will melt. Time to get outside and clean up some doggy do!
March is Women’s month and Sunday, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. I read an article about this on About.com this morning…..very interesting.
To all the people who say they are bored I would like to tell them that they have the power to change this if they really wish to do so. Get off your butts and do “something’!
By the way, Stephen, I’ve subscribed to Rat Race Trap….love it.
Have a great life, one moment at a time.
Thanks, Annette……what’s for supper? K.

Reply

Roni April 25, 2009 at 4:15 pm

LOVE it! Thanks!

I’m going to link to you next week, if that’s ok!

Reply

Dr. Annette April 25, 2009 at 10:15 pm

Dear Roni,

I hear you are stuck in a rut as you attempt to move forward writing your cookbook. Hope this article helped boost your creative spirit and calm the fears of your human self. I know that I am on the sidelines cheering for you!

For our readers:
If you are needing some weight loss inspriation, or you have some inspiration to share for Roni, check out Roni’s blog at http://Ronisweigh.com You won’t soon forget Roni’s honesty and beauty.

Reply

Vickie Champion July 25, 2009 at 8:44 am

I find that if I start taking little steps, just to get moving, it’s gets me out of the rut.

Reply

Dr. Annette July 25, 2009 at 11:41 am

Hi Vickie! I agree. One of the little steps that often helps me is to get out my box of 96 Crayola crayons and a large piece of paper. With color, words, and images I can give those resisting or distrusting aspects a place for expression. Just the act of getting things outside of ourselves helps us see things from a new perspective.

Thanks for sharing your comments with us! I love your Business / Life Coach website at http://www.vickiechampion.com/

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