Sometimes I find myself getting stuck in a loop of routines. I love routine, it keeps me on track, but sometimes it limits me and I get into a rut. Suddenly, I’m just going through the motions and the intention behind my actions is gone. Or I find myself stuck on a thought that’s beginning to spiral. It sucks, but I can get myself out of it. 

I used to shame myself for getting into a rut or a spiral. It felt like I was disappointing someone if I wasn’t constantly chasing after my goals or accomplishing things. I thought I was disappointing myself for falling into old habits. But unfortunately, taking breaks is important and every time I get into a rut, my brain forces me to take a break.

Getting into a rut isn’t a bad thing, but getting out of it is important. Here’s what I do to get back on track: 

Change my routine

Sometimes when I’m feeling stuck, it’s because I’ve been doing the same thing over and over. Having a routine is great, but it can get boring or unmotivating sometimes. Adding in something new or changing something can be a great way to get out of the stuckness. Try a new workout class, change the time that you go to the gym, or find a new way to do something. It doesn’t have to be a huge new change, even something super small can do the trick the trick for me.

Go on a walk 

Walking outside is always a huge reset for me. I put on some music, put on my walking shoes, and get going. Taking a break to move your body and also reconnect with nature is a great way to take a break and take stock of where you’re at. I like walking through a park because being around the greenery helps me feel better rooted in the world and it forces me out of my mind. Sometimes the rut and the spiral become easy to stay in, and movement disrupts the cycle. 

Make a new playlist 

This one might be specific to me, but music is both a creative outlet and a way to better understand the world in my opinion. Making playlists that fit a certain vibe or a vibe that I want helps me reconnect with myself. It also forces me to think about something other than the fact that I am stuck. Suddenly I’m a different person and I’m creating a different life. Listening to music also just makes me feel better in general so it’s a great way to lift my spirits. 

Try a new recipe 

Recently, I’ve noticed that cooking and baking have been bringing me peace and joy. Especially trying a new recipe. Cooking and baking are so methodical to me that I can’t even think about anything else. It’s all 2 cups of flour, 3/4ths cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt and I suddenly forget I was worried about something. As someone who has struggled with anxiety, I’ve noticed that activities that involve my hands quiets my mind. It forces me to be in the moment, which means I’m not in my head. 

Hang out with a friend 

Whether going down the stairs and talking to my roommate, my bestie, or texting a friend to make plans, hanging with a friend solves so many things. My friends are amazing and lovely, and I know I can always count on them to make me laugh and bring my energy back up. I’ve always wished to be surrounded by amazing and brilliant women, and I am beyond grateful to say it’s my reality. 

These five things do wonders for me when I need to reset so I hope they can help you as well. The important thing to remember is that you need to find what’s going to work for you! Getting stuck can be frustrating, but there is a way through. The feeling of being stuck won’t last forever. 

Currently Consuming

Reading

• Love Me Not by Terri Osburn

  • Nothing crazy, just a cute little romance!!

Watching

• Moana 2

  • Love love love, seeing Moana’s growth from the last movie to this one is so lovely. 

Listening

• November Playlist

My notes app this week

 Song lyrics that resonated with me

“Will I lose myself between my home and what’s unknown,” Auli’i Cravalho, Beyond

Holding space for…

My past mistakes 

Rewiring old habits 

Impending quarter-life crisis 

Galinda and Elphaba as lovers 

Spotify wrapped that did not accurately capture my year

Mistakes I will make and give myself grace for 

See ya! 

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next week!

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