2020: The year we learnt the meaning of "lockdown" and "quarantine". Believe me, I know how it feels to be stuck in a rut. Where every day feels the same and you feel like you're just going through the motions on auto-pilot. There have been times when I have taken a step back and asked myself "wait, how did I end up here?".
I felt like this in my first trimester of pregnancy. Not only did we go back into lockdown (our third lockdown - which ended up going for 4 solid months) but I also felt really off and had zero energy to train. This took me further into my rut, because once you throw yourself out of routine, it can be hard to get back into it. The thought of getting my motivation back seemed overwhelming!
There have been other times where I have experienced feeling stuck while working a corporate job. I had just finished my psychology degree and secured a post-graduate job. However, a few years in, I felt like it just wasn't where I was supposed to be. On paper, it was the perfect career path. But I truly didn't feel like I was using any of my talents or creativity and that really got me down. I didn't feel myself and I knew something had to change.
I want to offer some practical tips that you can implement that will help you. It's not an overnight thing, it will take work, but it's steps in the right direction. Let's go...
Create a game plan.
This is something that I had to do. I knew I didn't want to be in my corporate job forever. I knew my passion was wellness, health and fitness. I knew I wanted to help women to have more self-love and confidence and I knew I wanted to be self-employed and have work freedom and flexibility. I had to create a game plan for how I was logistically going to be able to achieve this. Set a goal and work backwards. Starting your own business can be overwhelming, but I worked on it as a side hustle and then eventually was comfortable to quit my corporate job all together and become fully self employed. It was a risk, but a risk that I am so glad I took. Seeing and hearing your testimonials makes it all worth it. I love seeing you guys thrive, hit goals and look after yourself both physically and mentally. I know this sounds a little blunt, but if you dislike your job, you have the power to change that. Tough, but it's true. No one is coming to push you. You can do anything you set your mind to. Create a game plan and believe in yourself. You've got this!
Book things in your calendar that you can look forward to.
I'm not talking crazy expensive holidays. While it could be a holiday in your diary that keeps you motivated, you can also book in brunch with friends, walks, coffee dates or a girls night at home. I would be lost without my calendar and to-do list, you guys already know that. Having things to look forward to throughout the week helps keep me motivated. Some examples of things I am looking forward to in my calendar are: workouts with friends, date night with B, brunch date with the girls, baby-moon and church, to name a few.
Invest in your health.
You already know that I believe health is wealth. Paying for my gym membership keeps me accountable because I like to consider myself pretty savvy when it comes to saving and spending money. The fact that I know I am locked in to paying for my membership every week helps push me into going 5 x per week and making the most of it. If you need additional accountability, book in your classes or session with a friend.
As well as working out, eating well will absolutely help you get out of your rut. Nourishing food helps us physically but also mentally. When you eat good food, you feel good. No, you don't have to eat organic food and spend money on crazy supplements. You can eat well without breaking the bank. I managed to eat well when I was a full-time uni student. Shop smart, plan your meals out and budget. If it is a priority for you, then you will prioritise it. Sounds silly, but it's true. I have had people tell me they can't afford to buy healthy food yet spend hundreds per week on eating out and alcohol. Invest in your health - you will thank yourself for it!
Try something new.
This could be a new workout class like boxing, a HIIT class or reformer pilates. I find mixing up my exercise routine and environment keeps things fresh, exciting and interesting! Plus, you will be sore in muscles that you didn't even know existed - trust me on this one.
This could also mean mixing up your daily routine. For example, waking up half an hour earlier to journal or read, meeting a friend for coffee once a week on a Wednesday morning or going on an evening walk after dinner. Change is as good as a holiday, right?!
Talk and write about how you are feeling and where you want to be.
Vent, talk, cry, journal. Just express how you are feeling with friends, family or a professional. Just getting your thoughts out of your brain is the best feeling. It helps me when I feel stressed or overwhelmed. I love brain dumping. Whether that's to get organised for the week by writing everything I need to do for the whole week out on paper and then delegating or just chatting to B verbally about everything I have coming up. It all helps!
Journalling is also amazing for this. Get to the root of why you are feeling like you're in a rut. Is it because you're over work? You're sick of your routine? Find the root problem and that way, you can find the solution.