We’ve all been there—stuck in a rut that makes getting out of bed feel like scaling Everest. All of my ruts are usually work-related. It can be really difficult to detach whatever’s happening in my personal life from my work life and not have one affect the other. Especially since I work from home and have a personal, 1:1 relationship with all my clients! Over the years, I’ve had to develop some simple methods of clearing my mind whenever the funk hits (Old Gregg reference duly noted). If you’re struggling with how to clear your mind and get out of a work rut, try these eight simple methods!

Start Journaling

This is one of my favorite ways to get all my funky mood thoughts on paper and out of my head. According to Reflect.app, journaling helps in organizing thoughts and experiences, which can enhance cognitive processing and memory recall. There’s something so therapeutic about writing that frees up mental space and gives you a clean slate for the day. Try writing about why you think you’re in a work rut. Writing can help you process the situation, clear your mind, and problem-solve better. 

Change Your Environment

This is for all my WFH girlies who can feel the stir-crazy cabin fever coming from a mile away. It may sound super obvious but sometimes a change of scenery and interacting with someone other than your dog can work wonders for the soul. Try working from a new location once or twice a week. You may find yourself even more productive and it’ll make packing up your work-from-home essentials worth the effort.

Go For A Run

Okay, unpopular opinion, I know. But hear me out. You’ll never wonder about how to clear your mind after a long, grueling run. Your mind pretty much stays focused on one thing only: the finish line. There is no better feeling in the world than just leaving it all on the track (or the course… veteran XC runner here🙋🏻‍♀️). Completely exhausting yourself after a hard run or workout just hurts so good. 

Did you know? A consistent running routine can reduce stress levels significantly, with some studies showing up to a 26% reduction in perceived stress among regular runners​ (PositivePsychology.com)​.

Try Juicing

Whenever I’m in a work rut, it’s usually because my sleeping and eating habits have been out of whack and I’m in desperate need of a detox. A fresh juice jolt always gives me SO MUCH energy and I find I’m able to focus so much better.

Serve Someone Else

The best way to clear your head is by focusing on someone else. We get so consumed by our own issues that we forget about helping people in need or being a listening ear for a close friend (guilty!). It’s amazing what a change in perspective will do for your mental health. Try volunteering at your church, a local homeless shelter, or a soup kitchen a couple of times a month. Bring a friend or coworker along so it doesn’t seem so daunting!

Declutter Your Space (and Your Mind)

Look around. Is your desk starting to look like an episode of Hoarders? Time for a decluttering session. Grab a trash bag, put on some upbeat music, and Marie Kondo the heck out of your workspace. Toss anything that doesn’t spark joy or, let’s be real, hasn’t been touched since the pre-pandemic era. There’s something satisfying (and scientific) about a clean, organized space that can magically clear your mental cobwebs too. Plus, you might find that elusive sticky note with your genius braindump on it that disappeared months ago. 

Try a Digital Detox (Goodbye, Social Media Rabbit Hole)

We love to hate it, but social media can be a black hole of comparison and FOMO. If you’re feeling stuck, take a break from the endless scroll. Log out, delete the app, or, if you’re feeling extra brave, power down your phone for a few hours. Use this newfound free time to read a book, try a new recipe, or, I don’t know, have an actual face-to-face conversation. Trust me, your Insta followers can wait, and you might just discover a hobby that doesn’t involve a screen.

Nature Therapy: Go on a Solo Adventure

Sometimes the best way to clear your mind is to step outside and embrace the great outdoors. Nature walks have been associated with decreased anxiety and a boost in mood.

Plan a mini solo adventure—a hike, a walk in the park, or even a beach day. Leave your phone behind (or at least on airplane mode) and just enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. It’s amazing how much a bit of fresh air and greenery can do for your mental state. You’ll return feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle whatever work throws at you.

What’s your go-to strategy to get out of a work rut? Drop a comment or shoot me a message—I’m always on the hunt for new tips and tricks on how to clear my mind. Let’s keep this conversation going and support each other through the weird days.