This is the time of the year when we all sort of lose it. It’s getting darker, colder, and wetter, and it is much, much harder to stay motivated. All the good habits we promised ourselves we would follow this new school year are out the window. Laundry and dishes are piling up, so is homework and assignments. On top of it all, we have lost our groove.
I struggle with this periodically, usually at least once a term, and over the years I have found a few things that help me get my ish together and my groove back. Here is an incomplete list of quick, simple things to do to get yourself back on track.
1. Take a day off
If you can do this, you really, really should. Sometimes all you need is just a day of where you literally only do things you want. Skip classes, ignore your homework and just watch Netflix in bed all day. Take a day to reset, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you will get done the following day.
2. Take a shower
And I mean a good shower. Scrub and clean and moisturize afterward. Make it feel like a break and a treat, and a fresh new start to your day, even if it’s the middle or even end of the day.
3. Play your fight song
If you claim that you don’t have a fight song or a playlist of songs to make you feel better, you’re lying. I am personally a big musical fan, so you best believe I will blast the soundtrack from Legally Blond and I’ll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan when I am feeling down. Play your song, sing along, and get your energy up. Private dance parties are highly encouraged.
4. Accomplish small tasks
Sometimes all we need is a little push in the right direction. Start doing small but necessary tasks to get rolling. Maybe decide to fold laundry for ten minutes, or send a few emails. I find that doing small tasks I have been putting off creates momentum, and inspires me to keep going and get myself together.
5. Clean your space
The messiness of my space is a reflection of how together the rest of my life is. Sometimes you just need a serious 20-minute cleaning session to clean up your space, and as a result, clean up your mind. Put on some good tunes and get to it. It will make a world of difference.
6. Eat an orange
Or any fruit really. I have found that oranges work for me (because who doesn’t need some more vitamin C?!) Sometimes we need a good dose of vitamins and the best way to get this is from the source itself. Not only will your body feel better, but you will most likely feel very accomplished for eating fruit instead of whatever awful food we tend to stuff ourselves with when we’re feeling out of it.
7. Get some exercise and drink water
This should be obvious, but this list wouldn’t be complete without it. Sometimes you need to get your body moving and hydrated to feel good again. Just do it.
8. Reflect
We usually lose our groove because of something, not just because. Sometimes it is obvious, like overwhelm or being sick, while other times it’s hidden from us. Maybe we’re self-sabotaging? Maybe we are doubting our decisions? Maybe we’re just not feeling great.
It is your job now to sit down with your own mind and try to figure out why you’ve lost your groove. It is painful, takes a long time, and can feel fruitless. If you are able to get to the bottom of it, however, you will be much better able to find appropriate ways of dealing with the issue and get your groove back for good. Journal, meditate, or do whatever else works for you.
I hope any of these tips help, and that you are all able to feel more put together and accomplished this term. Best of luck – now go get that groove back!
