9 Tips To Stay Out Of A Rut

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9 Tips To Stay Out Of A Rut

Do you ever have those days or weeks where you feel like you’re in a rut? You’re unmotivated and feeling blah?  I’m sure most of us have. I have definitely felt this way off and on during my short 7 years as a mother as I’ve been trying to figure out this new calling of motherhood.  It’s easy to feel frumpy and unmotivated being at home most of the day.

You may not feel like getting out of your sweats and slippers and putting on some makeup but I promise you’ll feel a lot better if you do. Your productivity will increase which will make you happier and more pleasant to be around and motivate you to do even more. Try doing these 9 things each day and notice the difference in how you feel.

1. Get up BEFORE your family: Give yourself at least 30 minutes to get ready before the family wakes up. This is my number 1 rule for starting my day off on the right foot. Having at least 30 minutes to myself to pray or read scriptures and get moving just helps me be that much more happy to help my family once they wake up.

2. Shower, Clothes, Makeup:  Take a shower, get dressed and put on make up (if you wear it).  If you begin your day like this you’ll be so much more productive.

3. Make A To Do List: You can start one the night before or write one in the morning.   Sometimes a task gets bumped to the next day if I don’t get it done and that’s OK. Writing a to do list gives you direction, it helps you feel accomplished and there’s just something about crossing things off that is so gratifying.

4. Limit Computer Time: You’re probably rolling your eyes because I obviously do spend time on the computer each day, but I try to make it very focused and keep track of how long I’m on.   I wake up early (5:00 a.m. lately)  to do some tasks on the computer before kids are around. Spending too much time on the computer makes me feel lazy, tired and guilty.

5. Get Out Of The House:  Have I mentioned we live in a small basement apartment with 3 kids? It is a must for us to get out of the house. Read my post on the benefits of nature, it’s been proven that even seeing a picture of nature stimulates the body to have a heightened positive outlook and emotional stability. Getting a change of scenery is good for you and your kids!

6. Keep Your Home Tidy:  Living in clutter and messiness is stressful.  It’s unpleasant for everyone including yourself.  When our homes are clean and tidy there is a feeling of peace, and calm and it’s a more enjoyable place for everyone.

7. Play Some Nice Music: Using Pandora is a great way to keep nice background music going in your home.  My kids love it too and it creates a sense of calm and helps me to feel more relaxed.

8. Read Motivational Books: I love to always be reading a positive, motivational, self improvement type book.  Right now I’m reading The Power Of A Positive Mom by Karol Ladd and it is so awesome!

9. Smile:  Even if you don’t feel like it.  If you start smiling first, then happy feelings will follow.  Remember Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine.”

This is by no means an all encompassing list, I would love to hear your own tips below in the comments.