We all land in a rut sometimes. You wake up feeling off, and everything around you feels a
little blah. Your meals are repetitive, your home feels stale, your motivation is missing, and life just feels like one long TO DO list. You’re not exactly sad. But you're definitely not energized. And no matter how much you try to shake it off, the heaviness lingers.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t
have to overhaul your entire life to get unstuck. Sometimes, the smallest changes can break through the fog.
Here are some gentle ways to lift yourself out of that low-energy place:
1. Change the view...even just a little: You don’t need to redecorate the whole house. Clear off one countertop. Move a lamp to a different spot. Open a window, wipe down a mirror, or add a summer-friendly cozy throw blanket to your chair. Tiny changes in your space can reset the tone of your day. 2. Stop doom-scrolling: The news will still be there tomorrow. But the constant stream of upsetting headlines and
polarizing opinions can take a real toll on your spirit. Give yourself permission to step away from the noise, especially when you’re already feeling off. And while you're at it, take a break from mindless social media scrolling too. It often leads to comparison, overwhelm, and more stuckness.
3. Make a list of things you
enjoy...and actually do them: Keep a running list somewhere handy: reading a few pages of a good book, listening to a favorite album, walking outside,
working in the garden, writing a letter to a friend, playing with your pet, or trying a new recipe. These are simple pleasures, but they matter. Aim to do just one thing from your list each day, even if only for ten minutes. 4. Take action before motivation shows up: Here’s a secret: waiting to feel motivated rarely
works. Action leads to motivation, not the other way around. So instead of thinking, I don’t feel like doing anything, try, What’s one small thing I could do right now anyway? That tiny shift can unlock more energy than you expect.
5. Nourish yourself with real food: When we’re in a rut, food habits often go out the
window. But your brain and body need steady, quality fuel. No need for gourmet meals...just something simple and good. Peanut butter on whole grain toast, string cheese and fruit, a bowl of soup, or avocado toast with a sprinkle of salt and red pepper. Feed yourself like someone you love.
6. Create a mini ritual to ground your
day: A morning cup of tea on the porch. A two-minute journal entry before bed. Stretching while the coffee brews. These small rituals create structure
and give your day a sense of meaning, even when you’re not feeling your best. 7. Focus on one corner: Trying to “fix” everything at once only fuels the feeling of overwhelm. Instead, pick one small corner of your life to improve. One drawer to tidy. One phone call to make. One thing to check off. That little win is
enough to give your day direction.
8. Let someone in: You don’t need to have a long talk or pour out your soul. Just check in with a friend. Send a quick text, share a funny meme, or ask how they are doing. You might be surprised how good it feels to connect, even briefly.
9. Remind yourself this is a season, not a life sentence: Ruts are part of being human. They come and go. You’ve made it through harder times before and you’ll find your way through this one too. Keep going, gently.
You don’t need a full transformation today. Just one small shift. Something that brings you back to yourself, even a little. You’re not stuck forever. You’re just paused.
You’re allowed to press play again...gently, at your own pace, and maybe even with a spark of newfound energy.
On another note...
Check out my new, carefully curated list:
Smart, simple tools for handling paperwork, filing, computer tasks, and keeping your workspace at home (desk, home office area, kitchen work station) organized!
