So what exactly is ‘workplace rut’?
A psychological state that a person experiences professional growth stalls, diminished motivation, and lack of enthusiasm towards their work
CONTEXT…
Lately, I've been feeling like this quite often lately due to senior year stress: college apps, grades, SAT, side hustle… but I know I'm not alone! If you're in the same boat, don't worry! it's totally normal. Life can feel like a rat-race sometimes from school to home and then that process all over again 5x a week!
Luckily
I've realised that balancing work with time for fun like watching my favourite shows, going outside for walks with my favourite songs, moving my body and making time for social connection, life can feel a lot more ENJOYABLE, EXCITING AND ENGAGING
A study from the American Psychological Association found that people who regularly engage in leisure activites reported a 34% reduction in stress levels and significantly lower rates of burnout.
Fortunately
You can get out of what seems like a never ending cycle of repetitive work, boredom and lack of progression opportunities by understanding the root cause and adjusting our mentality into a GROWTH MINDSET
Get out of your comfort zone or simply SWITCH UP YOUR ROUTINE: Have you ever heard of habituation? Well, Habituation is like hitting the snooze button on life. It's the autopilot mode we all fall into. Picture this, you bought a new perfume you've been dieing to get for your birthday which you finally got your hands on. One week later, you can't even smell that perfume on you anymore! As Mel Robbins might say, it's the mental rut that forms when you let your habits run the show. Instead, you need to break that cycle by switching out that perfume wit something new! I meani, both LITERALLY and FIGURATIVELY!! Going to work the same route everyday? Explore a new one! Ordering the same coffee at the same local coffee chain? Try out that newly opened exotic bistro and take your chances with their bestseller seasonal drink!
Speak up!: Even if you're the timid student or the backbencher, it's important to get your voice heard. Your opinion is no less important than anyone else's, so make sure you get your point across— don't wait for someone to ask you. COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL
Help others! Sometimes it takes a village for your work to run smoothly and efficiently! A good way to mae you feel more energised and stimulated at work, be proactive and offer loads of support to your peers/coworkers! If someone seems like they're not in their best self, take that extra leap and FIRST: NOTICE then SECOND: ask them if they need some comfort/support/or space!. This is will help you build deeper connections and show a positive, thoughtful and caring side of you that anyone would be more than happy to have in their company
MOST IMPORTANTLY, Identify your unique qualities, personality traits and insights your bring to the table, because there is no one else like you!
One of the biggest takeways is to stop the comparison game and LEARN TO BE YOU!
Stay in your line and focus on your individual journey, because no two people are exactly the same and at exactly the same place they're meant to be!
Celebrate your 'flaws': your weirdness makes you uniquely you. The things that set you apart are your SUPERPOWERS!
Cut yourself some slack: nobody has it all under control 100% of the time. Growth comes from the hard, messy moments!
Find joy in small moments: It's easy to think happiness comes from big milestones, but real happiness comes from the little things in life
If things feel overwhelming, reach out to someone you trust the most. You don't have to carry the weight of your worries all by yourself!
Credit: _teen.space_ : HOW TO BE YOU section
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