Heey there! It's me again, coming at you with another blog post.
Today, I'll share with you guys some tips on how to get out of a rut.
Here, a rut can mean, getting into mental, spiritual or emotional state, whereby you have little to no energy or motivation to do what you need to do.
It can be caused by a number of things including, burnout from work or school, monotony of everyday life looking the same or a major life event like moving to a new city.
I'm sure we've all been there, and I would love to share with you guys some things that have helped me, whenever I have gotten into this space, and hopefully help you in case you get into a similar space, or if you already are in it.
Let's get into it :)
1. Get back to the basics with God
For me, most of the time when I get into a rut, it stems from my spiritual life declining.
It may be because of being lazy, or being busy with school or just life, that I fail to intentionally spend time with God. I miss a day or two, and in the blink of an eye, it’s been a whole week without one-on-one time with God, and it begins to affect me, other people and pretty much every part of my life.
I discovered the reason behind this, is my/your relationship with God sets the pace and determines the tangent of the relationship you have with yourself, and others.
In this, I recommend just beginning by going back to the basics, and that means, get back to reading your bible, prayer and worship.
It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, just get back, God will not turn you away plus, you have the Holy Spirit being your ever-present help, to lead and empower you to spend time with God.
You could:
-put on some worship music, listen and sing along. The words affirm that which God says about you.
-write down what is in your heart and what has been going on in all its rawness. Transferring your thoughts and feelings from your heart and mind to paper can ease their burden, and can help you articulate and clarify what has been going on, then know what to do about it.
-listen to a sermon. There are so many on YouTube! Allow God to pour into you through another person, you may find the answers you’re looking for. I recommend Redefined Tv, Pastor T Mwangi, Apostle Joshua Selman and I have also recently started listening to Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries.
2. Take a break.
You are a human being, not a machine.
As you work or do school work, try and block out times whereby you can take a break. Go for a walk, take a nap, lie down, watch your favorite show, and if you can, take a work leave or vacation. When you take a break, it allows your body and mind to rest, and once you get back, you are more likely to be more productive and perform better.
No one is at their best or most productive when burnt-out.
3. Turn off the socials
I mentioned a part of this in last week’s post, check it out here.
I have also shared more on the newsletter that came out today.
For those who have subscribed, check out your inboxes, and for those who haven't yet, subscribe below :)
But mehn! Social media can become so consuming, and that’s why it’s important to at times take social media breaks.
I have been on one for about two weeks, particularly Instagram and Facebook. The only time I log in is if I want to share something like notify people of a new blog post, reply to messages or check out something, and after I am done, I uninstall until the next time I need it.
This has been amazing for me so far, and is training me to be disciplined in its use. So that when I am fully back, I can find a healthy balance. :)
I noticed it was becoming very consuming, I was beginning to compare myself with others which began to affect my confidence and I was also wasting too much time mindlessly scrolling, therefore becoming less productive and having less time to do the things that really matter and yes, I was beginning to get into a rut, in all aspects.
Maybe this is the reason why you are in a rut. Taking time off can help you get clarity and pinpoint exactly what may be going on.
4. Reach out and talk to someone
It helps to be honest and open up to someone on how you feel. Don’t suppress or suffer in silence. A rut could be more than just that, there could be a deeper and more serious reason behind it. Opening up can help you figure out and navigate through such spaces through hearing other people’s perspective, receiving wisdom, sound advice and correction in love.
If there’s someone you trust or have a community, reach out. If not, I pray that you may find genuine friends, even if it’s just one, and a tribe that holds you up when you’re down.
5. Extend grace to yourself
Again, you are a human being, and it’s ok to feel down or lose motivation at times. And even as you get back to normal activity, extend some grace to yourself, especially when not perfect.
Shaming, guilting and beating yourself up will just make you feel worse, and more likely to give up, but extending grace while also taking action to be better and holding oneself accountable, will take you to the next level.
6. Change things up a little bit
As earlier mentioned, one of the things that can cause us to get into a rut, is when life becomes monotonous. It can seem like everyday looks the same, and that can easily cause a feeling of being stuck in a cycle.
However, there are a number of things you can do to help, including changing things up. For example, if you are in a spiritual rut and you find it hard to pray and read the word, you could change your environment, do your quiet time in another room, or even try prayer walking.
I've began to do constant prayer walks a couple of times in the week and I really enjoying it. I had always desired to spend time with God, first thing in the morning, but sleeeep lol. Prayer walking gives me something to look forward to in the mornings. I get to spend time with God, add more movement, breathe in the fresh morning air, at times catching the beautiful sunrise, appreciate nature, and more. You can try this. Inasmuch as change can be scary and daunting, it can yield good results.
7. Take your focus from you and serve others
Lastly, something that can help is choosing to focus beyond your own feelings and reaching out to help others. Serving others gives us purpose and takes our eyes off of us. We can get consumed and passionate about serving others, such that it’s no longer about us, we realize there’s so much more to life, we have something to do, we are able to utilize our gifts and talents to lift others, and this can be enough motivation to get up and live life.
So look for places where you can lend a hand and serve, starting with at home, your family, friends and community. Allow God to show you what your gifts and talents are, the purpose He created you to fulfill here on earth. It doesn’t even have to be the full picture, just ask what you can do now, with what you have now, and use it to the best of your ability.
I’m so thankful for this blog space btw! I’m thankful that God placed the idea in my heart when I least expected it, and continues to gives me the grace to execute. It’s given me a lot of purpose and joy, I am able to use the gifts He’s given me, not only for me, but to serve others. My hope is that you are continuously being blessed by this space, whether it’s your first time here, or you’ve been here before, I appreciate you! :) (just wanted to mention that :))
My parting shot is this, and this is super important:
Remember, The word of God in 2nd Corinthians 12:9 that says,
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
God's grace is sufficient and our strength is made perfect in weakness. So delight in your weakness, cry out to God for help and He will come through.
About a month ago, I decided to make some changes in my lifestyle, particularly waking up early every day and using my time wisely. I was in a place whereby I constantly allowed my flesh to dictate my choices, and I knew that if I continued in the same tangent, it would cost me greatly.
I tried to do it in my own strength, and I failed. I remembered one day feeling so defeated, like a failure and loser because I kept on falling into the same habits that I was trying to overcome. It wasn’t until I admitted to God, that in this area, I am weak. At times, distractions get in my way, at times I want to sleep longer, but these habits won’t do me any good and will cost me in the long run, but I can’t do it on my own, help me. And after this, after choosing not to do this in my own strength, after laying my burdens to Him, after exposing my weakness, slowly by slowly, I finally began to see changes, such that now its almost second nature.
It was difficult at first, but after being more conscious and aware of the strength that has been availed to me, plus opening myself up to receive it and leaning onto God more and more, I began to see the transformation.
So, don't be ashamed and hide the areas of your weakness, be open and vulnerable to God, don't do it alone, because you don't have to. He is there to help, empower and give strength!
Remember this also, there is always a constant fight between the spirit and the flesh. Galatians 5:17 says,
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
The flesh is the part of us that is un-submissive and stubborn, the one that prefers to do things on its own, the part that is always contrary to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and depending on self instead of God.
We all have a flesh, but if you are a believer in Christ, your flesh has been crucified and your spirit is one with God.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
There will be times when you'll sense that war within yourself, e.g. your flesh is leaning towards watching Netflix, but in your Spirit, you are led to spend some time in the Word.
The difference this time, is that you don't have to lean onto the desires of the flesh, You know what The Spirit is leading you to do, plus He's giving you the power and strength to do it, and would obedience to God lead you down a wrong path? Nope. Never happened.
If you want to read and know more about the Spirit vs. The flesh, check out this article here.
We also have an enemy, the devil, who is very much alive and existing, and always on the quest to hijack the destinies and purposes of God’s people. And knowing his sneaky ways, he starts small, in the day-to-day, seemingly petty things. Stay vigilant, and don't give in to temptation. Plus, even here we have the power and strength to overcome. Jesus was also tempted, so He gets it. :)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need
Hebrews 4:15-16
So, inasmuch as we can take action on our own, lean onto God to give you strength, seek Him and search His word to know what to do, reach out to mature believers who can intercede on your behalf, walk with you and hold you accountable, use your time, gifts and talents here wisely, while you can, because we aren’t here forever.
I hope you've enjoyed this week's blog post and learnt something :). Like and share this post with anybody who might need it and if you have not yet subscribed, fell free to do so down below. I'll see you in the next one!
xoxo
BK.
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