The Summertime Rut

When you're on vacation, whether from work or school, the summertime rut is bound to happen. Trust me, you know exactly what I'm talking about. That period when you binge watch netflix, eat junk food and don't leave the house for days on end. Yes, that rut.

My rut came very soon after my Unit 1 CAPE examinations. After celebrating the end of what I considered the worst two months of my life, I quickly found myself locked in my room refreshing my netflix browser 60 times a day. Yikes.

There were many attempts to actually get up and get moving, but those eventually failed after the first couple episodes of America's Next Top Model. I needed to find something to do, and I needed to find it fast. I had become so complacent and lazy that even the thought of venturing outside scared me. This was my wake up call.

I began researching and reading many articles about ruts and ways to over come them. My favorite and most helpful article has to be from Lifehack, which gave simple yet effective advice that anyone can follow. Below I have summarized the main points that I think we're the most helpful to me.

8 ways to get out of a rut:
1. Work on small task. Begin easy by cleaning your room, responding to emails or even organizing your closet. A clear space is a clear mind.
2. Take a break from your work desk. Or in my case, from my bedroom. Take a short walk around the neighborhood or have a coffee break on the patio.
3.Upgrade yourself. Read self-help books or attend a cooking class. Try to do something that will make you feel better about yourself.
4. Talk to a friend. Getting valuable advise, and a little girl time, can help you on your way to overcoming your rut.
5. Paint a vision to work towards. Or in lamer terms, set goals. Goal setting can help you see where you want to go in the near future and spark a new excitement for life.
6. Read a book or blog. Reading can take your mind off of your current situation and can even provide some inspiration.
7. Go exercise. By getting up and moving you will release wonderful endorphins and you will feel ten times better.
8. Take a looong break. Taking a weekend trip or a mini vacation within your vacation can help revitalize your dull mood.

You can view the full article here:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/12-useful-ways-to-get-out-of-ruts.html

Best Wishes,
Azaria