Getting out of a slump

I have been all over the place this year. 
I have told the entire internet that it’s been a rough one.
I have been navigating my emotions, my mental wellbeing and physical for 8+ months now.
When life knocks you down it is incredibly hard to keep positive all the time. You do need to be sad for a bit to really come out of it.

While I wouldn’t say I was sad over the past 8-9 months. I was stressed and very anxious. I told myself this wouldn’t last forever, that something worse would’ve happened if this didn’t happen to me. Or, that this was life telling me I needed to reflect and get back to my values and goals.

This year has been hard. It has also had some of the biggest moments in my life. Marriage, moving into our first home, a little travel. It hasn’t been all bad.
Why is it that the bad parts have such a hold on us humans? Why do we typically remember pain v.s happiness? Well, I’ve been learning that it’s an evolutionary defense mechanism, or in plain english, it’s to keep us safe. This is why I like to keep a running note on my phone or in a notebook of highlights for every month of the year. I like to look back and change the narrative that things sucked, or brought me down in such a way. I don’t know if it’s something that scientifically works, I just thought it would be a nice thing to do. And as I get older, my memory is actually a mystery. I have been doing this for about 5 years now and it brings me so much joy knowing that my months didn’t just pass, but that I had a really great time living life.

So, you’re in a slump? Me too.
These are the things that helped me crawl out, (when i’m feeling like the floor is lava).

1. Feel the feels
   You’re feeling this way for a reason. It’s okay to sit in it for a little while.
   What’s clouding your head? Does your body need a break?  Maybe you’re going through big life changes: A job change, moving, engagement, marriage, laid off, a break up, changing schools, going to school. Whatever it is, good or bad, feel it. 

2. Make a list
   Get your notebook, a pen, your iPad, notes on your phone, Whatever you have with you. 
   Write 3 lists: All the things you’re feeling right now. Write a list of what you would like to feel. Then write a list of things you like to do.

3. Take yourself for a date
   There is no one who spends more time with you than you. Change your environment, go see new things. Whether it’s a little trip to your local cafe or taking yourself out to lunch. Get comfortable with hanging out with yourself! 

4. Revise your routine
   Remember that list of things you like to do? Do you incorporate those into your daily routine? I recently switched up my routine to incorporate things I like to do. It has made the world of a difference having something to look forward to every day.

5. Set a timer 
   Don’t want to do the dishes? Set a timer.
   Don’t want to vacuum? Set a timer!
   Don’t want to fold the laundry? Set a timer!! Or pop on your favourite tv show or a YouTube Video to kill the time.

6. Declutter
   Pick a room, a space or drawer, something that needs a little attention. We are going to use TIP 5. Set a timer, and work on this space for 30 minutes. If you feel like you still want to continue, then do so! You could also watch an episode of your favourite show as a timer for this. Your space is an important part of how you spend your time. If is cluttered or messy, you probably won’t want to spend time in it, and it’s creating more noise in your life.

7. Go outside
   Yes, leave your home and go outside. This isn’t groundbreaking, we all need fresh air. Whether your walking to pick up the mail. Walking the dog or just walking yourself. Get outside for a chunk of time. You can set a timer (tip 5), start an episode of a podcast, a chapter in your audio book, call your mom, or just enjoy neature.

8. Vision board 
   Enters the chat: Pinterest
   We love an inspiring pinterest board. Pin things you like, activities you want to do, anything that gets you excited. A vision board of the person you want to be. Put that someplace you can see it often or every day if possible. It helps with keeping the spark alive!

9. Write another list 
   Why does this board inspire you? Why does it hype you up? Do you want to climb a mountain, camp, take a trip, create, design, renovate your house? 
   Write down the goals, or bucket list ideas that are coming from these images you pinned!

10. Implement- make a plan 
    How will you achieve all these beautiful pinterest images and bucket list items, if you don’t plan a little? 
    Want to travel? Set up and auto deposit to a savings account every time you get paid. You can save up for your trip without having to think about it.
    Want to take a new class somewhere? Check out what their drop in prices are, maybe ask a friend to join you if you’re nervous.
    Take your list, and automate it the best you can. Put things in your calendar or day planner whatever you use that keeps you organized.
    And start actioning these things out. Big or small. Start a little plan.

Remember that each day is new.
The past is the past.
If it won’t matter in five years, or less than that, it really doesn’t matter. Don’t let things take up space that don’t deserve your attention.

This quote lives in my dashboard and it has kept me grounded for so many years now:
"If you're bored with your life, it's not because you're doing the same thing every day but because you're doing the wrong thing every day".

Keep your chin up,

S