WEYBURN - There are times in a person’s life when they feel in a rut, no matter what career they have chosen, or the passion they have chosen to follow. This can be especially true for those who have a schedule or a routine that is followed day after day.
It is important not to forget about that feeling of excitement or inspiration. When you start to feel unmotivated, it can affect not only yourself, but also your coworkers and the quality of work.
It can be hard to try something new, or to change up your routine a little, because sticking with the status quo feels safe, and it feels familiar. There are times when you feel like you are dragging your feet to get through the work day. That is just part of life and it is easy to minimize the problem.
That feeling of discontentment might not even be caused by your routine, but something else in your life that is the source of your feelings. Sometimes it is the quality of your health, your family situation, your friendships (or lack of social connections), your hobbies or your financial situation that can cause the disconnect.
It is during these moments that we should question why we feel the way we do, and regain that spark in our life. There are a number of ways to break a negative cycle and move forward, and many of them are small little things that can make a big impact.
The first step is to do a quick assessment, and take care of yourself. Healthy food, adequate sleep, daily exercise and social support are all essential to both physical and emotional health. If one of those puzzle pieces is missing, it can affect your energy to stay focused and excited about your life.
Another way to make a difference is to introduce a small change to your routine. People are creatures of habit, and sometimes feeling stuck stems from boredom. Look for ways to add different experiences to your routine. It could be as easy as taking a new route to work, or signing up for an art class or a sports program that interests you. Exploring the world around you can add zest to your life.
Sometimes just getting outside, and surrounding yourself by nature, can have a positive impact on the brain. Next time you are feeling bogged down, or have negative thoughts swimming in your head, try just going for a walk in your neighbourhood. Let go of the thoughts circling around in your brain.
Having things to look forward to and a sense of purpose are key ingredients for motivation. Plan something special for the end of the work week that would make you happy. It can be as simple as having coffee or a phone conversation with someone important in your life (and then you both benefit by having that connected moment).
Ruts are part of life, and it is important to not feel too trapped or stuck. Find your spark and excitement.
