By: L. Shay Bradham
Making Life Fun Again After You’ve Fallen into a Rut
The air is warmer, and the birds and bees are in the air. There are flowers and frolicking and fun… for everyone but you.
Are you just not feeling the sense of wonder or renewal?
My dear, it’s possible you’ve fallen into a rut. It happens to the best of us, especially when winter drags on and spring might not have been as warm as you would have liked. Hey, I live in New England—we had snow in mid-April here!
But there’s hope! Here’s how to make life fun again.
Get Outside
The easiest way to perk yourself up is to get outdoors. The lack of sunlight during the winter can cause us to feel lethargic and blah. Take advantage of the warmer weather and walk in the sunshine! Take five minutes at lunch and five after work—you’ll feel a difference almost immediately.
Treat Yourself
Indulge in a small treat. It might be a manicure, a special meal, or the candy from Godiva that’s your weakness. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, but treating yourself to something nice with help you feel a little special.
Change Your Routine
I know how it goes: get up, drink coffee, head to work, work for 8 hours, head home, make dinner, go to bed. Get up, drink coffee, head to work, work for 8 hours, head home, make dinner, go to bed. Lather, rinse, repeat… it’s boring!
Do something different. Go to the gym before or after work. Meet with friends for lunch. Go for a walk during lunch. Take a college or adult education class. Learn how to line dance. Break up your routine and have some fun in the process. Be sure to choose a healthy option, though. Binge-watching Netflix while downing tubs of ice cream might be a fun routine, but it’s not a good option… unless you invite friends over, and then it’s a party!
Remember Your Dreams
In our boring “routine mode,” it’s easy to forget what used to be the fuel that kept us going. Take some time alone with your thoughts to remember what your dreams are. What were your goals? What was on your New Year’s Resolution list? What was your dream goal five years ago? Or ten years? See if you still have a passion for it, and then take the steps you need to in order to make it real.
Being in a rut is no fun; take the steps you need to in order to climb out and frolic in the sun!
Lady Bits is provided by L. Shay Bradham, a freelance writer, published author, coffee addict, and a Trekkie. She plays an impressive game of Klingon Monopoly. You can contact Shay at: LShayBradham@gmail.com