What most of us initially viewed as an unexpected but welcomed vacation soon turned into a very real global pandemic that none of us could have predicted. Like many others, I had a lot of plans that had to be postponed again and again until eventually, I stop planning altogether. It seemed like for the past few months I’d just been waiting to start living again; it left me feeling stuck and hopeless for the future.
Recently, I decided to change my mindset and figure out how to live rather than just exist under the current circumstances. If you are like me and are feeling stuck, here are a few things you can do now to change your mindset and get excited about life again.
Focus on what you can do now
Instead of focusing on the list of things you can’t do, think about what you can do that can prepare you for your future goals. I’d been thinking about moving to another state when the pandemic hit. Then, all I could do was obsess over my ruined plan. Now, I realize that there is so much I can still do to work towards that now more distant goal.
Do you want to move at the end of the year? Focus on saving for the inevitable moving expenses and making sure your credit score is the best it can be.
Want to switch jobs? Start strengthening your personal and professional brand to stand out in the job hunt.
Whatever the long-term plans you’re waiting to put into motion, there’s something you can do now to help make it easier on yourself when the time comes.
Find Productive & Fun Distractions
Scrolling social media is entertaining for a while before it becomes “look at all of the fun people are having and all of the beautiful places I can’t travel to.” I suggest finding another past time to relieve your mind.
I am constantly living in the future and have to snap myself back into the present. Sometimes when I can’t be present in my reality, I opt to live in another. I get lost in my favorite novel, watch a new tv series or movie, and listen to music and podcasts. Anything to get me to stop worrying about things I have no control over.
Create just to create
When I’m not indulging in someone else’s creative outlet, I turn to my own. I love sharing my creativity in the form of the content I share here and on social media but nothing beats creating just because.
I love baking, trying new food and cocktail recipes, creative writing, doing my makeup, making candles and body products, and taking photos no one will ever see. I notice when I don’t do these things, I start future-tripping, which never ends well. So I try to make sure creating is a part of my weekly routine to stay on track.
I suggest you also exercise your creativity in whatever form feels right for you. If you don’t know what that is, try out different forms of creating, I’m sure you’ll find one you love.
Change Up Your Routine
A stale routine is likely also contributing to you feeling stuck. Switching things up can breathe new life into your days and help you get excited about life again.
Doing something as simple as starting each day with a new beverage (mine as been matcha lattes), implementing a morning and nighttime skincare routine, going for a mid-day walk during your lunch break, getting dressed in the morning, or planning a weekly virtual wine and book club with your friends can change your perspective of your current situation and make you appreciate the time at home.
Those little daily habits can have a big impact on your mood and mindset, so be mindful of how you’re spending your days.
Those are my tips on what you can do when you’re feeling stuck. Let me know if you have any other methods that you use to re-focus on the present.
