If you are reading this chance are you are feeling drained, tired of the way things are going, feeling stuck and or unmotivated and know you are capable of so much more. I am here to tell you even though these are unpleasant feelings they are normal. WE are human and go through funky feelings sometimes even though many don’t like to admit it. I have heard many super positive people, motivational speakers, and life coaches all say this. I myself have gone through drastic stuck in a rut phases. And that is ok because it only makes the good moments that much better!

I used to feel so uncomfortable by these ruts that I would try my best to ignore them by sleeping or just doing everything in my power to keep busy and pretend they were not happening all together. I hated feeling unproductive or “lazy”. Today though, after years of personal development I can tell you that I have finally come to terms with the fact that these phases are ok. They are normal. It’s not just me. I have also learned there are things I can do to feel better and shift my energy. 

So what can you do when you are feeling like this??

The first thing is to be sympathetic with yourself. How would you treat a friend or someone you love that was feeling down? I bet you would try your best to be nice to them, to try to cheer them up, or just be there for them. Treat yourself that exact same way! Acknowledge you are not feeling your greatest and tell yourself that is ok. Make peace with it so you can take these next few steps. The next steps are all different suggestions you can try. You don’t have to do all of them but try doing a few. 

1. Mediate – I always wanted to be one of those people that mediate because I just felt like they had their life together and were so calm and had no worries in the world. I have read so many books and heard so many speakers and regular people who just praise mediation. But for some reason this was so hard for me !!! I could never sit still nevertheless clear my mind and breathe! WHAT!? No not for me. 

First of all my mind is always running I naturally talk a lot so I think that attributes to my mind going wild all day long. Everyone says that by meditating you can answer any question you may have, and even though that sounds very provocative,  it’s easier said than done! So I totally get it if you are skeptical about meditating. All I can tell you is to start trying! Just try it for two minutes when you barley wake up I find it works best for me. You can even do it laying down in bed! Just clear your mind and take deep breathes.

 If you are like me and your mind starts to wander it’s ok just clear it and continue breathing. Clear your mind as many times as you need to. This is like a muscle you have to build. 

I have also recently been really into quantum leap mediation and this has worked wonders for me. I simply look up a youtube video and I love that they are guided (this helps a lot it you are barley starting). Another thing I have tried that helps a lot is tapping. Eft tapping videos on youtube are great give it a try! I find the elf tapping is great for breaking through mental blocks, feelings of anxiety, and literally anything. 

2. Move your body– I know for a fact that sometimes when I am in a funky mood doing at least 15-30mins of yoga or getting on the treadmill, instantly makes me feel so much better. I get endorphins from the exercise it’s self and I get endorphins for actually completing a task. I love that! I have found that I go through phases sometimes I’m super into hiking sometimes I’m super into running at the park, sometimes I’m super into yoga other times it’s just the treadmill at home while watching tv. I try to go with what is easiest to push myself to get it done. Sometimes I might be up for the drive to get to the hike but other time I have to force myself to roll out the Yoga mat. Both are perfectly fine!! If you are really in a funk and really want to get out of it make yourself move your body. Walking counts too by the way. Even walking at the mall(;

3. Get outside in nature– Go on a hike, walk, or run, or just simply go picnic at your favorite park, or just lay in the grass. My favorite thing to do lately is go picnic(take coffee, water and maybe a snack) at the park. There are so many great parks around that are constantly overlooked!!! I bought myself this super cute outdoor Ugg blanket from Bed Bath and Beyond and initially I only went to the park because I was dying to use it. Go to the beach, take a hike somewhere beautiful!! I live in California so we are very spoiled to have national parks, along with beaches and so many other amazing outdoor activities. So depending on where you live do some research you’d be surprised to discover how many amazing places there is in your state/country. I’m always in awe discovering there is hidden gems I didn’t know about in my city. I also love going to farmers market and getting a green juice and some fresh flowers or coffee and breakfast. 

4. Go to a new coffee shop/ restaurant alone or with a friend: Doing something different than your daily routine is always a great way to uplift your mood! I love coffee and I absolutely love coffee shops so going to a new aesthetically pleasing coffee shop does wonders for my soul. I love to hang out at a coffee shop and just indulge in a great book or journal. I also love going with one of my best friends and just catch up/give the coffee shop a full blown review like if we are professional food critiques.lol Restaurants are also so much fun !!! Weather you are into rooftops or mom n’ pops. Get out there! Try new cuisine, get out of your comfort zone. Google new restaurant opening near me. Is there a restaurant you’ve heard anyone buzzing about especially on social media? Do you know anyone that’s a foodie that may have a great suggestion? I live in Los Angeles and I love that it is so diverse here and there are so many different types of food. I am so lucky I have able to try all these different cuisines I had no idea existed !!! 

5. Watch a feel good movie/ Audio: Listening to up beat music and dance alone in your room let loose, dance funny, wiggle your little body! It might feel funny at first but listen to the beat and let your body follow with the rhyme. Jump around shake your butt, be a little kid again dancing free. If you don’t know any upbeat music you can create a dance station on pandora(my favorite for random I have discovered much new music because they mix it up). You can also learn to dance on youtube or better yet take a class near you ! Salsa or Zumba all great ideas. Watch a funny movie, with so many streaming services you shouldn’t have a huge problem finding one. I also love watching comedy specials, in my opinion Netflix has a great content when it comes to comedy. Laughing is one of the best things you can do to lift your spirit. Laughing in my opinion is one of the best feelings ever!! It allows you to let loose, lighten up, and feel happy!!!! Another option is a love movie if you are a romantic like me this can be so endearing. And will make your heart burst with hope and joy. Last but not least motivational speeches, my all time favorite!!!!! During some of the lowest times of my life (crying and feeling completely hopeless) I listened to motivational speeches. Even when I felt “that couldn’t be me” I just kept listening over and over everyday and guess what eventually someone said something that lit something in me and gave me hope. More than hope, inspiring action!!! 

6. Read a new book: My personal favorite are personal development, manifestations, educational books, business/finance books, or women empowerment books. Get out of your head and into a new world !!!! I have read countless amazing inspiring books that made me realize I create my world and if I focus I can do or be anything I want!! I love those books that just make you feel like you can run the world if you wanted to. Learning is one of my all time favorite hobbies so I love reading a book that can teach me something weather it is learning how to: speed read, manifest, finance, or just understanding my mind more in-depth. But if you prefer fiction dive into a wonderful story! There are so many great books out there I love getting lost in a book and completely forgetting about what is going on in my world. I believe it gives you perspective, it allows you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Reading just brings joy to my heart. I’ve always loved books ever since I was a child, so reading is just something that is close to my heart and I know it always makes me feel good. 

In conclusion I’ve listed 5 steps (with options) PLUS a freebie you can take to shift your energy into a more positive one. I don’t expect you to do all of them at least not all at once but try doing at least a few of them. If you have been feeling in a rut for more than a few days I suggest do one per day for a few days or until you start to feel better. Let those unpleasant feeling go through you, know and acknowledge they will pass. Be patient with yourself treat yourself with love and respect. But most importantly don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you feel it’s out of your control. I hope I have given you at least one good idea to push through those funky phases. And remember you are not alone. You are so worthy. You are loved! Thank you for reading and please let me know if any of these worked out for you !

With all my love,

Xochilt