The world is in a scary haze right now, and given all the variables of our lives and adjustments to our schedules, we are likely falling off the horse a bit. There are definite ebbs and flows, and whether it’s your hobbies or your work, it is likely that you need a little ‘oomph’ again in some part of your life. That pep that once lived in your step is a bit lackluster and you need to get re-inspired.
Granted, given the state of things, this is even more of a challenge now. Feeling like you are losing interest in something or getting burned out is common even when life is ticking as usual. So, now more than ever, we need to really breathe deep and push forward with happy vigor to burst through whatever rut we are feeling. Our contributor, Jenna Wohlwend, is here with some ways to help you get your groove back.
These steps will help you be like Stella. Follow along:
Take a Break
Sometimes it’s best to just walk away from something. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Don’t put pressure on yourself to push through the low points, sometimes a coffee break or even a hiatus for a few weeks is what you need to come back to something with a vengeance. And if you have money riding on this and literally can’t afford such a break, setting up a schedule on when to focus on something and when to switch gears might help you get into a new routine to help you see it through more clearly.
Try Something Else
If it’s a hobby you are feeling a little down and out on, maybe it’s time to move on and try another interest. The idea of a hobby is for enjoyment. It should be something you love that gives you a break from other stresses. If it becomes a stress, maybe it’s time to move on. If it’s for worth, look into other strategies.
Focus on a Related Project
This advice fits really well with your career. Sometimes if you are working on a project or an initiative that is scratching at you, maybe you should do an exercise or related side project that will help your bigger picture. The smaller tasks make the larger ones seem less daunting and give you the inspiration you need to really tackle the big thing.
Listen to Music
Classical music, folk music, pop, rap—whatever floats your boat and pumps you up or relaxes you, whatever it is you might need in this time, listen to it. Relax to it, run to it, sing to it, shower to it. Music is excellent for cleansing your headspace. And if you play an instrument, have at it!
Utilize Pinterest
Create a mood board or inspiration board on Pinterest. It could be related to your work or projects, or it could be for something completely recreational or fun like decorating your guest room or putting together a meal plan for next week. Sometimes just getting your creative juices flowing helps press the reset button.
Read Something Inspiring
Read a book or an article about someone who overcame a hardship or a feat. These stories really give perspective and encourage you to put your best foot forward and plow through whatever funk you’re in. It’s usually part of the process anyway and just one chapter in your success story. Hearing of others pushing through is a great source of inspiration. Follow along with our Book Club while you’re at it.
Indulge in the Content of Those Who You Look Up To
Have an idol in your field? Someone who always makes you say, “I wish I could do that?” Sometimes watching them do their thing or surrounding yourself with their stories or whatever they created and loved, reminds you of why you started a project in the first place.
Talk to Friends
This is another excellent reset that will keep your mind busy on other things, so when it is time to go back to the grind, you feel refreshed and ready to take it all on!
Sleep On It
When in doubt, just hit the hay. A good night’s sleep is often just what the doctor ordered. Our physical health is important for our mental health, after all.
Feeling burned out, in a funk, bored or stressed about something is very common. But the most important thing to get through it is to trust your gut. Take care of your mind and body, and also just listen to that internal voice that will tell you what you need. This often leads you down the right path for getting that groove back and inspired to start up again. These steps will help you along the way!
Jenna Wohlwend is a content strategist at a tech company in San Francisco and runs her own lifestyle blog, Jenna Rose Colored Glasses. She has her B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and loves karaoke, reading, cooking, and traveling with her husband.
Featured image from Jodi Bond’s home tour
