I have personally experienced being uncertain with the direction of my life in recent months. I felt like my life was a drag. I went to work, came home to take care of children and squeezed in ‘me time’ whenever I could. This is not the life I wanted to live. I felt like it was time for a change.I want you to consider the activities you are doing day in, day out. I believe that you want to find more satisfaction and joy in your everyday life.
You may have experienced a similar feeling to what I have described. Answer the questions below.
Have you ever felt like you are stuck in a monotonous cycle in your life?
Is life beginning to feel mundane and lacking excitement?
Do you seek for something different in your life?
Have all the days become blurred?
If you answered yes to any of the following then this blog post is for you.
Below are some of the things I have personally tried to get me out of a rut.
I hope it can help you too.
1. Join a community or make new friends.
Being part of a community has been one of the biggest factors which has helped me to get out of a rut. When you are interacting with like minded individuals, it helps to keep you accountable and build connections with others. You could join a coaching program, a religious group or a hobby group as a starting point.
2. Add new activities or habits into your routine.
You could learn a new language or skill. Learning a new language can improve brain function.
Some people have a created bucket list of things or activities they would like to do. This is something that you could consider doing.
Below are some other activities you could consider.
• Carry out a spiritual practice
• Do a fun activity with kids e.g play games, watch film/movie
• Have alone time to reflect and think of myself and my needs
• Complete a course at college or online ( open university has free courses, Allison.com etc)
• Go and hang out with friends (connect with loved ones)
• Make time to write (e.g blog posts, journaling, poetry)
• Meal plan, prep & Bulk cook
• Go through inbox and unsubscribe to emails which are no longer relevant
• Read books on an area of interest.
• Organise your wardrobe/kitchen cupboards/ a room of choice or items around the home
• Write down a 1 year plan, 5 year plan, 10 year plan etc..
• Create a budget
• Hire a life, faith, business coach etc.. or speak to a counsellor about your life
• Listen to a podcast
• Watch inspirational videos
• Make a new recipe using things in your house
• Learn how to make your favourite restaurant dish
In my book- How are you, Mama- Managing Motherhood, Maintaining your mental health and finding the drive to pursue your passions; there are 10 types of activities that I recommend you include in your schedule.
Click the image below for a FREE copy of the ebook to find out more information.
3. Revive old hobbies or interests.
Think about any skills you learnt previously or a natural talent. Is there any activity which you did previously which brought you great joy or satisfaction?
A skill is an activity which is learnt and developed whereas a talent is something you are naturally good at or born with. Please note that you can develop a skill which enables you to be talented.
4. Decluttering.
I have been on my own personal decluttering journey. For someone who likes to hold onto things, it’s been such an achievement for me to get rid of items.
Decluttering has had one of the biggest benefits on my mental wellness. Clearing your space can occur in more than just your physical space.
Decluttering is ....
when you remove things you do not need from a place, in order to make it more pleasant and more useful
or
remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place)
There is a strong link between having clutter and your emotional state.
Here are some of my tips for decluttering.
Decluttering your mind- Speak about or write down how you are feeling. Be honest with yourself.
Decluttering your environment- If you have not used any items for at least 6 months then you don’t need it, sell it or give it away.
Decluttering your phone/devices. Look through your phone and delete any apps which are not being used. Unsubscribe to any emails you don’t need, unfollow people on social media who are not adding any value to you and delete people on your contact list if you don’t need their number.
Check through your bank statements and determine if any of the payments or subscriptions needs to be cancelled. Let them go!
Removing the things you don’t need or which don’t add value to you will open up the space for you to grow.
Click here to get your free effective housekeeping checklist which will help you begin decluttering.
Give it a try. Start small in one cupboard or a room.
5. Explore nature
Nature has been shown to be one of the best methods to help you manage your mental health. You can go to local parks and nature sights and explore.
In the UK, the National Trust has over 500 locations to visit which includes buildings and National Parks. You can also search online to find your nearest country park which can be access for free or for a small fee.
6. Change your environment.
This may include going to a different physical space or re-organising where you are at present. You could consider re-organising or re-decorating an old space. It is so refreshing to see an organised room. I mean it’s so much easier to find things. A new environment may bring with a different mindset or a new appreciation of your old space.
7. Visit a new place.
You can consider visiting a new town or city or Country. Being out of your normal everyday environment may be the boost you need. Go and visit that place you have been wanting to go to. Life’s too short, travel and explore.
However, if it’s too difficult to leave your town or city, you could try being a tourist where you live or a neighbouring town or city. Go to the visitor centre and take the brochures or go for guided tours or walks. Explore the different places you have never visited.
8. Talk about your life.
You could speak to a loved one or a friend. Alternatively, you may consider going to a counsellor. There is no shame on going for counselling to discuss life issues with someone who has an objective view of the situation.
Many people are also turning to life coaches. Life coaches tend to specialise in a specific area of life. You could look on the International Federation of Coaches for more information. There are also recommendations of coaches on the website.
9. Get creative.
Being creative has a positive impact on your mental health. God created the Heaven and Earth and made us in His image. Therefore, we are creative beings.
Creativity enables your mind to focus and is a form of self expression. Write, draw, sing, dance! Whatever you can do to loosen up and release those endorphins or happy hormones. I personally sing in a choir and I love it, I feel so energised when i am singing.
Which of the 9 ways will you be choosing first?
L