We all get stuck in a rut from time to time. Everything just seems dull and boring, or worse we feel anxious or depressed. Dwelling on the feelings sometimes just makes them worse, so try taking one of the following actions next time you are feeling stuck in life.

Feeling like you are stuck in life is no fun. It can be hard to shake the blues and get your mojo back. The following 25 ideas are simple to do but they can be surprisingly effective. The secret is just to try something new or even a new way of looking at things. These simple ideas can give you a spark or inspiration or passion or just make you feel a little less dull. So go on, give them a try.

Feeling stuck in life in general

1. Read a book in a different genre from the one you normally choose. If you love detective novels, try a romance, if you normally love a good romance, give sci-fi a go.
2. Eat a food you have never tried or indulge in something you would normally eat because it is unhealthy.
3. Wear something you wouldn’t normally wear. Perhaps dress up just for the supermarket run, or wear something bright and cheerful that you usually save for the beach.
4. Visit a gallery, museum, or historic house or go to a concert or play. Again, try to choose something different. You may find a whole new interest this way.
5. Watch a different TV genre to the one you normally choose. If you love reality TV, tr a documentary. If you normally love historical documentaries try a drama or soap instead.

Feeling stuck in your relationship

1. Make a daily date for coffee and a chat together.
2. Eat your meals together, preferably with the TV off.
3. Switch off social media in the evenings and at weekends and give the person in front of you your undivided attention.
4. Surprise your loved one with a thoughtful gift – just because.
5. Physical touch makes the body release oxytocin which improves social bonds. So get snuggling.

Feeling stuck in life physically

1. Try changing your exercise routine. If you normally hit the gym, try a walk in nature instead. Or switch to swimming or rock climbing. If you love high octane sports like running or boxing give yoga or Tai chi a chance.
2. Break a bad habit. If you can’t start the day without a double espresso switch to green tea. If you can’t relax without a glass of wine in the evening swap it for a delicious virgin cocktail.
3. Try a new hobby that uses your whole body. You might like salsa dancing, gardening or drama.
4. Start a good habit. If you know there’s a good habit you could work on that would improve your energy and fitness levels, then start it now. Start small, perhaps a ten-minute walk, eating your five a day or upping your water intake.
5. Play with your sleep routines. If you are a lark, try staying up late and watching the moon and stars in the early hours. If you are an owl, try getting up to welcome the dawn. See how your energy and creativity changes according to the time of day.

Feeling stuck in life emotionally

1. Write a list of things you could do for yourself when you are feeling stuck and do one or two of them. Put the list in a safe place for next time you need a boost. You could even create an emotional first aid kit with goodies such as a wellbeing magazine or foot soak and perhaps some nice chocolate.
2. Ask a family member or friend for a cuddle or stroke a pet. Alternatively, give yourself a neck or foot massage and experience the healing power of touch.
3. Watch a sad film and cry if you want to. It is always better to express emotions in a healthy way than to bottle them up. Then watch a comedy to give yourself an emotional lift because laughter really is one of the best medicines.
4. If you are experiencing difficult emotions try writing in a journal to express them. Alternatively, talk to a trusted friend or family member. Don’t be embarrassed, we all need a little emotional support from time to time.
5. Start a practice that will help you calm yourself when you need it. Meditation and yoga are great, but simply taking five deep breaths can make a huge difference. You could also try listening to music, painting or drawing, journaling or prayer.

Feeling stuck at work

1. Start a side hustle and turn a hobby or interest into a small business. Or use your current work skills to develop a business of your own.
2. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Even a couple of hours a month can make a difference.
3. Take on extra responsibility at work in an area that interests you. Or organise a social event to help build better bonds with your colleagues.
4. Make friends with a colleague you don’t yet know very well or deepen a friendship with an existing colleague
5. Take a day off in the middle of the week and do something you have always wanted to do.