Are you someone who punishes yourself for being unproductive? Do you always feel like you need to be working on something so you don’t feel like you’re slacking? Same here! To be in that cycle truly drains you out. But you know what? Apparently it’s ok sometimes to just take a break, procrastinate and laze around without feeling guilty.
However, sometimes, we’ve all been in this situation where feeling unproductive or unmotivated drags us into days, weeks, or even month(s). And it’s really hard to step out of it. I’ve been going through something like this quite frequently lately. I always just want to lay in bed the whole day and do nothing and wonder if there’s anything I could make out of this feeling.
Are you like this too? If you are, let’s try to get out of this together shall we?
Is There a Way to Stay Productive During An Unproductive Phase?
Good news, yes! You definitely can still be productive even in your most demotivated, unproductive phase/days. But it all depends on your definition of productivity. To me, being productive includes accomplishing simple tasks. Such as doing my laundry, cleaning my room, or even sweeping the floor.
Consider doing the smallest things as being productive because it still requires effort to do, just like brushing your teeth. I think we need to remind ourselves that being busy and working on a heavy load doesn’t define the overall definition of being productive. Guess that’s also why we tend to punish ourselves for having a lot of free time. Right? That being said, try not to be too hard on yourself when you’re in this phase. Your productivity does not define your worth!
So How Do I Get Out of A Rut?
Getting out of a rut phase is something I’m personally still learning as I go. But I’ve also discovered that being accepting of the rut that I’m in helps ease the process of getting out. Because if you’re in denial about it, you tend to go over and force things, and you don’t want that to happen! Sometimes it’s also easier to sit and try to identify the root of the problem so I can stay away from it for a while, just to get a breather.
I’ve also realized that sometimes to get out of that rut, is to stay in that rut. Why? Because ruts are temporary and eventually it’ll go away. Rather than trying too hard to make it disappear, just learn to be at peace with it. In fact, everyone goes through it at some point in their lives, therefore it’s normal. You might not even notice as day goes by, you’ll eventually get your mojo back! Trust me on this, all it takes is time.
Whenever I’m in this situation, I try to go easy on myself. I do whatever makes me feel better, and yes, even if it means rotting in bed all day. It really is something you need most days; to just zone out and focus on nothing. Mind you, this isn’t being unproductive, it’s simply putting yourself first making sure you feel better. Try it!
How to Continue the Momentum After Getting Out of the Rut
Picking things back from where you left off is easier said than done. But it all starts within you, you’re always free to move at your own pace. Like I’ve said before, try not to force things because usually the outcome isn’t even half as good.
The way I do it is, I try to pump myself up first before doing something. I’d listen to music, drink coffee, wake up early and stretch. Once I feel better, I’ll start going back to where I stopped.
I try to get myself together and give myself a prep talk, which I think is the most crucial part of this process. If I can’t help myself to get out of this rut, no one can; is what I tell myself. Eventually I just snap back right into it naturally.
Just a Small Pep-Talk!
Ruts are tricky and there’s no easy way to explain this.. But sometimes in moments of struggles all you can do is sit through it and it’ll pass by. Things will always fall back into its place on its own. But also, maybe when you’re in a rut.. It could also be a sign for you to take a break? A reminder again, your productivity does not define your worth. Go easy on yourself, you can pull through!