Stuck in a Rut?

   Everyone feels stuck in a rut sometimes. You know those times in your life when you feel like you don't even know what's going on or what to do next, the times when you are bored with your routine that you've done so many times before, the times when you know it just doesn't feel right and you don't know how to fix it. Sometimes you want to run away. Sometimes you want to shake things up. Sometimes you don't know what you want to do, but you want to do something. It's normal to feel this way. The good news is that it doesn't last forever and there are a few things that can help. Sometimes you just need to spice things up a little bit to get back on track. Here are a few things that always help me feel better. Some of these suggestions cost money and some are completely free.

1.) Dress Up.
    Go to your closet and pick out an outfit that shows who you are as an individual. Make sure that if you are going to work, that it falls within dress code. If you like edgy fashion, grab that pencil skirt, those kickbutt stilettos or flats, and that power lipstick. Top it off with a mysterious leather jacket and take on the world. Look fabulous to feel fabulous.

2.) Change Your Mani/Pedi.
    Find all your nail polish and get to work changing your life one nail at a time. Some people get stuck using the same color or design over and over. Don't do that. Monotony isn't fun in anything including your nail color. Not sure what kind of color or design you want to do? I suggest getting a Pinterest and checking out all the nail tutorials. YouTube even has some great ones. Always going for French tips? Try a fiery red. Instead of the safe, muted pink go for the loud coral. I love French tips and pinks, but sometimes you need a bolder choice. Still not enough of a change? Go for an accent nail. Do a design. Do some jewels. Have fun, you can always change it back if you don't like it.

3.) Rearrange Your Furniture.
    This is one of my go-to techniques to battle the mental rut. Changing your environment can add just enough difference to your routine. In college whenever I was feeling "trapped," I would move the room around. If the furniture is too heavy to move, move the accent pieces (side tables, lamps, pillows, trinkets, etc...) Trust me, this helps more than you would think.

4.) Nap.
    Yes, you read that right. Sometimes the feeling of being stuck is because your brain is in overdrive and super tired. Naps help. They give your brain time to process the overload of information. Naps are the bombdiggity.

5.) Try a New Style.
    Sometimes spicing up your look is just enough to help the mental rut subside. It's a little different than just dressing up. Trying a new style is wearing something that you wouldn't normally even think of wearing. Everyone has a few items of clothing that they don't wear because they don't think it matches their style. Try those pieces out. If you are always wearing jeans and a t-shirt, try a dress for a day. If you only wear flare jeans and flats, try some skinny jeans or leggings and boots. Same with your makeup. Always wearing a cat eye and red lips? Try a smokey eye and nude lips. Are neutrals and lipgloss your go-to look? Try a bold lip or eye. Makeup and clothing are easy to change over and over again.

6.) Buy New Shoes.
    If you feel stuck and you have a little bit of extra money, buy some shoes. Shoes can change your outlook on life. There is just something about a new pair of shoes that makes a person feel invigorated. Been eyeing a new pair of heels that you keep avoiding because "I'll never wear them." Of course you will never wear them, if you don't have them. Chances are you can even find a pair on sale that are just as fabulous. Shoes can change your life.

7.) Buy Makeup.
    Go buy that eye palette or lipstick that has been calling to you for the past month. (Make sure to budget for this though.) Revamping your makeup collection can make you feel like a new person. Wearing new lipstick gives an ego boost like no other. Using new eyeshadow and watching the colors blend to perfection on your eyes is one of the best feelings. Plus, using makeup brushes to create a flawless face can make you feel like you graduated from Hogwarts with top honors. 

8.) Get a New Scent.
    Buy something that smells beautiful. New fragrances can make you feel indulged and powerful. Walk in Bath & Bodyworks and find a smell that calls to you and makes you feel in control of your life. Smelling good can make you feel good.

9.) New Undies.
    No joke. Buy a new bra or panties. Heck, buy a matching set. Nothing makes you feel like you have your life together more than matching undies. Even if no one else sees them, you will know. It can be your own little secret. 

10.) Have a Day With Yourself.
      Take a day trip. Go to that museum or attraction that you have always wanted to go to but never had the chance. Go on a self-date. Take yourself out to eat and a movie. Wear what you want to wear. Order what you want to eat and drink. Go watch that movie you've been dying to see. Do what you want to do...except murder that's not legal. "Me" time can help a lot of things in life. 

Basically, feeling stuck in a rut isn't the end of the world. You can conquer this. Stay strong, my friends.

                                                                                    -Liv