Sometimes we can all get worn out. Need to bring yourself out of a life rut? Let's talk about it...

Are you wearing the same uniform every week to work? Are you feeling tired and sleeping too much or not enough? Given up exploring more interesting places to eat around Wellington? If you answered Yes to some or all of these questions, you might be stuck in a life rut (me, me, me!!). Now the only question is, how to get the hell out??

"Now the only question is, how to get the hell out??"

Sometimes it’s nice just to feel like we aren’t the only ones who want to fall asleep in our dressing gowns and hope that motivation gives us a little prod to wake up when it’s ready. Now I don’t think that my advice is particularly groundbreaking, but it might be the prod you need. It certainly was for me…

Sort it out

The obvious question is ARE YOU LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF? Have you had too many late nights in a row recently? Have you been skipping your workout routine? Have you been staying too late at work? Are you drinking enough water? When I ask myself these questions, the answer is a firm NO. I need to actively schedule time to sort this stuff out, or it never gets done. If you aren't looking after yourself 100%, everything else is guaranteed to slide. THEN we all know what happens (#craycray)!

Change your routine

Whether it's walking to work instead of driving or moving to a different part of the office or cafe for lunch, changing things up can make a massive difference to your mood. I know I like some variation in my life and that when I stop making an effort to try new things, I can get pretty flat. Recently, Matt and I have been working until late on blogging/uni respectively every single night so maybe it is time to step away from the laptop and have a go at cooking again or going for a walk in the evening. Even though you might be busy, changing your routine can mean you come back to your task refreshed. It can be soooo hard but it IS worth it!

"Whether it's walking to work instead of driving or moving to a different part of the office or cafe for lunch, changing things up can make a massive difference to your mood"

Brainstorm you

You might be having an identity crisis, wondering whether your job, boyfriend, house or life are really what you want? The rut has grown from a fear of questioning whether you're REALLY that happy about everything. OOOh getting a bit deep now, right mate? In all seriousness, I find one great tip is to bring out a notebook and brainstorm all the words that define you, how you see yourself and what your ideal life is. What do you like about right now and what do you think you'd like to change? Make sure you think about how your needs are balanced against those of others. Once you have done that, put it away for a few days, then come back and assess - is there anything that you're not happy with that you know you CAN change? Can you find a new job? Can you start a new creative project? Then, start putting plans into action!

Change your Hair

I started going to Wellington Hair Salon Luca at the end of last year. I find having bad hair, more than anything else, can truly make me feel like I am stuck in a life rut! Anyway, if you read my previous post here, you'll know I loved what Luca Hairstyling offer (including free tiny Whittaker's chocolates next to your tea - woop!!) and have been going ever since. Recently I asked David (my Hairdresser) and Sophia (who owns the salon and colours my hair) to change my look up a bit. I trust them completely with my hair and so they decided to take the colour a bit darker again.

Last time I visited, I'd had a slightly more blonde thing going down. It was Summertime so we decided to embrace a more ash blonde, bright vibe. I was stoked with how it came out, but by the time I came back to the salon it was starting to get a little worn out with the wear and tear of everyday life.

This time, it was about embracing the season's change, going darker for Autumn/ Winter and softening my fringe a bit. Sounds cliche, but if you think Autumn colours you think toffee, caramel, fallen leaves, warm fire-side. That was the look that as far as colour went which wanted to achieve and I think Sophia nailed it. David also decided on a softer, longer look which really fitted my more relaxed Wintery vibes.

I find that getting a new colour and cut can change my whole mindset. Instead of feeling spent and worn out, I have a new kind of energy and feel generally prettier and more on top of things.If you're thinking about changing hairdressers, I'd really recommend these guys at Luca. They know their craft inside out and can help you change your look without going toooo drastic (unless you want to!). You'll find yourself skipping out of the salon, feeling like a whole new woman.

"You'll find yourself skipping out of the salon, feeling like a whole new woman"

Experiment creatively just for the LOLS

Sometimes I find that if I remember why I started blogging to begin with I really take the pressure off myself. If you're working in a creative industry, why not try something wacky just to remember why you used to enjoy making or doing what you make/do. I made a short video with 50 random facts about me, just because - even though it might make me look like a dick ("Duuh who'd really want to know 50 random facts about you Lucy" says the Devil on my shoulder - SHUUDDUP) - it's REALLY good to immerse yourself in a task and not be attached to the result, even if you feel it's risky. What's the worst that could happy? Someone finds it on the internet and laughs at you? That probably was going to happen anyway because people who want to go looking for unkind things will generally find them anyway. Go nuts, kiddo, and why not start that crazy dream project just for fun! Also, if you like this video please give it a THUMBS URRRP and SUBSCRIBE!

I hope these tips have helped you get some ideas about how to get out of a rut. I'll let you know how mine is getting along after Easter (after all, chocolate always helps!)