Help! I’m stuck in a rut and I can’t break free!

There are times in most people’s lives when everything feels new and exciting. We skip out of bed with a spring in our step, ready for the new day. But there may also be periods where we feel like we’re just going through the motions. Sound familiar?

Seven signs you’re stuck in a rut:

1. Every day is so similar that you almost feel as though your life is based on the film Groundhog Day.
2. You lack the motivation to do anything other than get through the day.
3. Getting out of bed each morning is a major struggle.
4. You’ve been doing the same job for years and you’ve never enjoyed it.
5. You’re dissatisfied and unfulfilled, but feel too dispirited to do anything about it.
6. Comparing your life to other people’s makes you want to weep.
7. Everything feels like a waste of time – even things you used to love doing.

If you’re feeling really low, hopeless, anxious or stressed, you may need to seek professional help from a GP or counsellor. But if you’re just temporarily in a bit of a funk and need some inspiration to get out of it, the following might just help.

Seven strategies for breaking free:

1. Pray for wisdom, guidance and clarity of mind. Seek God about your future and be prepared to go places you never expected to go!
2. Get some support from friends, family members, colleagues, church leaders, medical staff… anyone who will help motivate and encourage you.
3. Think about where you would like to be in life in five or ten years’ time. What do you need to do between now and then to make it happen? Break it down into small, manageable chunks so it doesn’t feel too daunting. Then start taking little steps toward your long-term goal each day, even if that just means researching new career chapters, reading a chapter of a study book, walking somewhere instead of taking the car or buying new equipment.
4. Look after yourself. Perhaps you’re so busy that you’ve got into bad sleeping or eating patterns. Or maybe you’re always carrying other people’s burdens but are struggling with your own mental health. Try to get yourself in a good place physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually so you are better-equipped to deal with your own and other people’s battles.
5. Soak yourself in God’s word. Your ultimate goal should be to know him more, and the best way to do that is to read the Bible every day. Aligning yourself with God’s word will help you see things from a new perspective and make the right choices.
6. Talk to people who you feel are living the life you would like to be living. How did they get into that dream career? What makes their marriage successful? How has their faith lifted them out of similar ruts in the past?
7. Have some fun! Sometimes life can feel very dull, but there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy a bit of light relief. Sign up for an evening class, go dancing in the rain, take up a new hobby, get some dates in the diary with your favourite people or just watch a few funny films. Laughter really is the best medicine sometimes.