LIFE

The cold is unforgiving and the days are *technically* shorter—but they couldn't drag on more. With each passing day, winter feels like it's going to be harder and harder to get through.

It's official: You're stuck in a rut. When getting busy with work or school takes you away from working out regularly, eating healthy or staying on top of your schoolwork, getting back into the swing of things can feel like climbing Mt. Everest. Here are some tips to help you get back on track.

Remind yourself it is okay to feel this way. 

Feeling lazy or unmotivated is completely normal, even more so when you're a girl on the run. That doesn't mean you can't get back into your routine when life slows down again. First step? Don't be too hard on yourself. Feeling lazy or unmotivated does not make you less worthy of getting back on track—it just makes you human. You'd never say the mean things you say to yourself to your besties, so don't say them at all. Be kind to yourself, girl. You're worth it.

Reconnect with nature. 

@hannahmeloche

According to the American Psychological Association, spending time in nature can help increase happiness and improve your overall well-being. When you're not feeling like yourself, be sure to spend some time outside, whether that means going for a Hot Girl Walk or just sitting outside with a book.

Reduce your screen time. 

@coolgirlsreadingbooks

Excessive screen time or near-constant stimulation from technology can be a real detriment to your mental health, specifically your motivation, according to UNICEF. TikTok's endless scroll feature makes it easy to spend hours on the app without realizing it. When you find yourself stuck in an unhealthy cycle, try to reduce your phone usage as much as possible. Set app timers to monitor how much time you're spending locked into your screen, spend more quality time with the people you love or pick up a book instead of your phone.

Set some goals for yourself. 

@lizjournals

When getting back on track feels impossible, it's best to start with baby steps and take it one day at a time. Tell yourself that tomorrow, you're going for a walk, doing an online workout video or reading two chapters of a book you've been meaning to pick up. Sometimes it can even help to plan out the meals you're going to eat that day. Giving your day even the tiniest bit of structure can be just the push you need to get back into your routine. Trying to change everything at once can make you feel like you're restarting your entire life, which is *super* intimidating. Chunking your changes down into smaller, more manageable pieces can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Get your body moving. 

@madfit.ig

When physical activity seems like the last thing on Earth you want to do, change the way you think about it. This sounds soooo easy, right? Well, not exactly. If exercise doesn't seem fun, grab your bestie and do it together. Now, instead of *just* going for a walk, you're hanging out with your friend. Getting your body moving can boost your levels of serotonin, which can in turn make you feel happier and more clear-headed. You don't have to go from lounging on the couch to running a marathon all in one day. 

Slider image: @micmalditravel
Top image: @levysfriends
All GIFs via Giphy

by By Grace Walker | 12/18/2023