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"...I just wanna lay in my bed...Don't feel like picking up my phone, so leave a message at the tone...'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything...Nothing at all..."
I think the above song by Bruno Mars (aptly titled "The Lazy Song") became so popular because it's exactly what we feel like doing sometimes: Absolutely nothing! Just stay in our PJ's all day, watch bad television, order take-out, peruse the Internet for hours, then fall asleep in a blissful, lazy haze.
Now, we do need those days from time to time - especially in our busy lives. However, when those days become habitual, you can feel like you're stuck in a monotonous, never-ending rut. Here's a few ways that I try to snap myself out of it:
Reverse the order of AM rituals: Everyone has their own
routine in the morning. I usually brush my teeth, eat breakfast, and
then start getting ready for the day. Now, I find that I'm much more
motivated by taking a shower and getting ready first, followed by
breakfast. Mixing up your routine just adds some variety to an otherwise mundane schedule. Bonus Tip: Try to wake up as early as possible - you'll get so much more from the day! This is a real challenge for me when I'm off from work, but I do find that gradually pushing my alarm clock's time back by an hour helps in rising a bit earlier than usual without feeling like I've been jolted out of bed.
Turn OFF the computer and/or television: A bit ironic, I know, but the age of the Internet has imprisoned us - and we do it to ourselves. Nowadays, we don't have to leave our homes for groceries, entertainment, or even sending mail. Powering down your computer will help you realize that there is life beyond cyberspace. It may help to time yourself and/or keeping your laptop/computer out of your bedroom. Ditto for television. Bonus Tip: Notice - "power down" NOT "log off." Turning your computer completely off will avoid getting back on again. Television a problem? Put the remote somewhere other than next to the bed or couch after turning off to prevent any temptation.
Get up and get out: Taking a brisk walk can definitely help in clearing your mind (and is great exercise to boot...) If you don't feel like walking, bring along a book, some music or your favorite hobby. Being surrounded by nature and people can do wonders. Bonus Tip: Invite someone. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Bring a blanket and lie under a tree.
Enroll in a class: Aerobics, yoga, art, dance, cooking...you name it, there's a class for it. Signing up for one that meets weekly is a good start. Bonus Tip: Joining with a loved one (friend, family member, significant other) can help in keeping you motivated.
Clean: This may seem counter-intuitive because the point here is to get out, however, I truly believe that an organized space = organized mind. Trust me when I say that when my surroundings are messy, my life is usually out of wack. Make afternoon/evening plans to prevent any dawdling. Bonus Tip: Try putting on happy tunes instead of the television to avoid distractions.
Contact someone: Forget e-mail, text, or instant messaging - call someone that you trust to hash it out (meet in person if you can...) Chances are that you have more on your mind that you originally thought. Bonus Tip: Please note that I'm no psychologist or medical professional of any kind. If you are
stuck in a rut for more than a day or two, it might be more than just
exhaustion or a small case of the blues. Serious emotional issues can be helped. Talk to a professional if you truly feel like you're losing control of your emotions and it's negatively impacting your life.
What I DON'T do: Shop, head to a local restaurant/bar (just temporary fixes), read self-help books or magazine articles (you'll constantly be in your head, long after you're done reading), update a facebook/twitter status (you will dwell on it all day - especially if people comment!), watch movies (staying inside for hours on end is a definite no-no)...basically anything that will keep me down 'n out!
Whatever the reason, getting unstuck can be a pretty difficult task. In my experience, keeping yourself busy on a regular basis can help prevent getting into a consistent rut. On the flip side, remember to take time out when life seems a bit overwhelming...just be sure to find the right solution for your own happiness.
xoxo andrea
