Get Out of that Rut- Do Something That Makes You Happy

Have you ever been in a rut? An exercise rut (I was in a lifelong exercise rut until a few years ago), a nutrition rut (think Extra Toasty Cheez-Its instead of steel-cut oats), a relationship rut (snapping more than usual, never seeing each other, rarely talking about anything other than mundane stuff), a friend rut (not feeling connected, never getting out with friends, feeling lonely), a household rut (feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do, feeling sick of chores), a career rut (feeling uninspired or stuck in a job, not knowing what you really want to do with your life), a mood rut (stuck feeling sad or grieving, unable to shake off anger or resentment)? One way to get out of that rut- do something that makes you happy.

The list of ruts could go on and on…If you’ve read my earlier posts this week (Day 1 and Day 2) you know I am working my way out of a big rut. In short, I’m grieving, I’m falling into unhealthy eating habits (resulting in a good bit of fluff), and I’m trying to figure out what I want to be/do. Or more accurately, how to do what I want and be what I want and still be a financially responsible adult.

So I spur of the moment created a plan and here’s how I’m doing with it…

Day 3- Get Through the Day

Yesterday was Day 3 and it wasn’t as energized as Days 1 and 2. It was September 11th, always a sad day. And I had a headache.

When you’re working through stuff, some days will be energized and you’ll buzz through with a sense of purpose. And some days you’ll feel a little blue and eat dark chocolate (it was for my headache, I swear).

So some days you just get through. But that plan you have in place (see my previous posts for more on the plan) will help you through. Like yesterday, I still exercised and I went to a yoga class. I even went to a guided meditation.

Did I eat 100% clean? No, I slipped up a little. Some days that happens. But I ate mostly healthy and I’m not beating myself up about the chocolate (dark chocolate, purely for medicinal purposes).

I’d have to say then that Day 3’s lesson was, “sometimes you just get through the day.” Sure, I wish this happened on Day 17 or Day 35, but it happened on Day 3 and as long as I don’t throw in the towel and give up the whole thing then it’s ok.

Day 4- Do Something That Makes You Happy

Today’s lesson stems from yesterday, though I am going to do something that makes me happy today, too.

Try to do something each day that makes you happy. And a few times a week do something out of the norm that makes you happy. Like something that makes your face light up when you talk about it-happy.

Everyone’s list of what makes him or her happy will look a little different. If you don’t have a list (I don’t have a written list either but I could rattle off a few things) start finding things that light you up.

My everyday list might be reading a picture book with my kids (even if I have to guilt them into it), going for a walk after dinner, snuggling under a blanket, going through pictures, calling a friend.

My “few times a week” list might be going to a yoga class, checking out a guided meditation, going out with friends, buying flowers, shopping at Trader Joe’s…

Wow, my lists make me feel pretty old.

These things will perk you up and they’ll also make getting through the rougher parts of your days a little better. You know, when you’re lying on your bed so your jeans will zip or you’re driving to a job you kinda hate. Then you’ll have your happy thing to think about. Let your mind wander there and it might even make you smile.

Sound a little too perky for you? Well, maybe, but it’s better than going through the day with a pissed-off look on your face or a “life sucks” kinda vibe. I’m sure we’ve all been there and that’s not fun either. Maybe you could put on a dress, buy some balloons and walk through a field of flowers?

Yesterday I did two things that make me happy and it made the rest of the day better. Most certainly it made my mood better and my attitude towards other people more positive.

Speaking of positive…

One of the things I like about the book I’m using as part of my plan (May Cause Miracles by Gabrielle Bernstein) is the affirmation of the day. Each morning exercise includes an affirmation and you are supposed to revisit it each day. I set an alarm on my phone with the affirmation as the label for the alarm. I also make my phone’s wallpaper the affirmation of the day. Yesterday my 12-year-old smirked at me when he saw it, but he was good enough not to make fun.

Throughout the day and anytime I think or feel something negative I remind myself of the affirmation. I like the idea of reframing thoughts.

Yesterday’s affirmation was about love, and when things are negative it’s not coming from a place of love. So when I was feeling tired and wanted to be hard on myself, this affirmation stopped that. Instead, I said to myself- you’re tired, you have a right to be tired, go sit for 10 minutes. Instead of pushing through I gave myself a little self-care, self-love. Love does not create feelings of negativity; love does not want you to beat yourself up.

The affirmations (so far) build on each other. I get that they’re a little woo-woo…but there’s science behind them too. See this article from Carnegie Mellon University. At the very least, affirmations can make you more optimistic and reduce stress. They might even make you perform better at tasks. And no one has to know you’re doing it!

So, Day 4 of Getting Out of my Rut is off to a good start. The rest of the day will be busy, so I wanted to do my rut update now.

Are you in a rut? Reach out to me! Ruts are less lonely with a friend. And we can get out together…I won’t tell anyone when you start using affirmations, I swear.

Reach out to me via email mary@stayathomefit.com or on Facebook or leave a comment here. I really love hearing from you!

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. If you haven’t subscribed to my newsletter please do! In my rut, I have slacked off on sending it, but part of my plan now includes getting back to that 🙂