1. Figure out what got you stuck. Take the time to reflect on what is making you feel stuck. For example, do you feel stuck in your job? Ok, then what about it? Is it that you don’t feel like you are contributing to anything meaningful? Are you tired of your long commute? Do you feel like you have nowhere to grow within your company/school/agency? Do you feel general burnout? Look into yourself and your experience to really define what it is that’s making you feel this way. Once you determine that, it allows you to dig yourself out, bit by bit.
2. Set some goals. Setting yourself up for success with manageable goals is KEY to helping you progress. Once you figure out your why (see number 1), you can set goals to help make those necessary changes. Maybe you’ve determined that you have no growth opportunities in your current position. Make some goals around honing some new skills to help you become more marketable so you can grow within your agency. Whatever it is, once you figure out what it is that’s holding you back, you need to set some goals to break through those walls.
3. Communicate. Reach out to your trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, and family members. Communicating your frustrations with a diverse bunch can give you some insight into your situation you hadn’t thought of. Each individual person you discuss this with will bring a unique perspective, provided you are diversifying your “therapy” sessions. Coffee with your friend? She may be the one who hypes you up and helps you realize your self-worth to make those changes. Your mentor? She may be the one who helps guide you in the goal setting process to move further up the chain of progress. Your mom? She might be the person you call on to help you just feel validated. Everyone serves a special purpose. Don’t underestimate the power of communication with your circle.
4. Get creative. Call back to what you used to love doing before work, and school, and responsibilities muddied it all up. Maybe it was drawing, dance, or writing. Maybe it was playing soccer (like me!), DIYs, or reading historical fiction. Whatever it is that gives you life and helps you feel that passion again, do it. Even if you can’t change your situation right now, enhancing your life overall will help alleviate the stress and frustration from your “stuck situation” and allow you to feel life’s meaning more intimately.
5. Get moving. Exercise is therapeutic. Moving your body feels good and helps to keep you healthy and focused. Movement is critical to a healthy mind, but we often prioritize other responsibilities ahead of caring for ourselves. As you know, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t be strong for others if you don’t strengthen yourself first. Any type of movement matters. The goal here isn’t weight loss or the perfect body. The goal is to feel good, inside and out, clear your mind, and boost your mood. Whether it’s putting on a nostalgic playlist and dancing around your kitchen, taking an after dinner family walk, or training to run a marathon, all movement helps you move toward your goals.
The Regulated Rabbit 
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