Getting back into it
For almost a month, I have felt pretty out of it. Now don’t get me wrong, I have loved everything I have been doing and the people I have been doing life with, but I have just felt off. This past week, I was sick with the flu and spent the entire week either sleeping and staying in bed, or doing to absolute minimum like going to a class I couldn’t get out of. After a week, I went absolutely stir crazy and realized that once I get better, I am getting back into my routine and out of this funk.
Its okay to feel off
Heres the thing. I am all for being in a routine and feeling your best, because I truly thrive off of my work and daily tasks that I can check off. However, I also believe that we shouldn’t get hard on ourselves if we aren’t able to keep up with it.
Good or bad, everything is put in our life for a reason. Whether that is a long season of waiting, or a short season of feeling like you can’t quite get on top of things, God has these different seasons in our lives so that we can learn to lean on him through everything.
It is easy to get annoyed or mad with yourself for not being able to do what you once could, whether that is a routine you were really good at or lifting a certain amount of weight at the gym. But what if God wanted you to fall out of that routine so you can realize that your peace and joy isn’t filled with waking up at 6am every day? If there was one thing that has been highlighted in the past week, it would be that. The self-validation I was used to giving myself by waking up early and doing things that made me happy (while still great!!) is not the ultimate thing that is going to give me lasting happiness. One day you’re going to wake up and not be able to do the things that give you your daily validation, so learn to invest in relationship with God.
Get back into it
Now I know I just said that a routine isn’t what should make you happy, but in all reality, being able to stick to my routine and get things done makes me feel so much peace. If you find yourself wanting to get our of a rut, here are some of my tips that I’ve found to help.
Realize that God gives you your ultimate satisfaction
Before trying to find satisfaction in the earthly things, I think it is important to set the standard that God is the only one who can truly provide everything you need. If you try to search for satisfaction in anything more than you search for God, you’ll only end up being burnt out and not finding what you desire.
Force yourself to do the things you want to
This may seem harsh, but once you are out of your routine, you will more than likely have to force yourself back into your routine. Make yourself wake up early even if you don’t want to, make yourself study even though you’re tired, make yourself go to the gym even if you’re lazy.
Spend time doing things that bring you peace and joy
It is important to recognize the things that bring you true happiness. For me, I love spending time at coffee shops, the beach, and on walks. Recognize these things and invest more time in them so that you have more to look forward to.
Spend time in community
Keeping things inside doesn’t help anyone. You aren’t a bother if you want to talk things out. Find your community and talk to them. Praying and journaling is also a great way to get out your thoughts!
Plan it out
Something that really helps ease my mind is planning. Even if something is so strictly built into my routine that I already know when it’s happening, I still will plan it in both my physical and digital planner so that I am able to let the thoughts leave my brain and just be on paper- it really does help me have peace of mind!
