How to Get Out of a Rut: 30 Powerful Ways to Break Free and Move Forward

Let’s be real: feeling stuck sucks. Maybe you need some ideas for how to get out of a rut?

Maybe you feel like you’re just going through the motions in your career, relationships, creativity, or life in general.

You want to move forward, but no matter what you do, it’s like trudging through mud. That foggy, frustrating “Ugh, what’s next?” feeling? Yeah, I’ve been there. We all have.

But here’s the thing: ruts aren’t permanent. They’re more like a pause, giving you space to reflect, recalibrate, and then move forward with more clarity and purpose.

And if you’re a Generator in Human Design, this stop-and-go cycle might feel very familiar to you. (It does for me!) But it’s all part of our natural flow.

So if you’re ready to learn how to get out of a rut and spark some momentum, I’ve got you.

Below, I’m sharing 30 practical, no-fluff ways to break free: some mindset shifts, some action steps, and maybe a few surprises along the way.

Pick one (or a few), try them out, and watch how quickly things start to shift.

Let’s do this!

30 Powerful Ways to Learn How to Get Out of a Rut

Shift Your Energy

1. Practice Gratitude. Feeling stuck often comes from focusing on what’s missing. Flip the script: every morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. Bonus points if you can laugh at yourself while you do it. For example, maybe you’re grateful you didn’t burn your breakfast. Hey, it counts! Need more ideas? Check out my 30-day Gratitude Calendar.

2. Challenge Negative Beliefs. Those “I’m not good enough” or “It’s too late” thoughts? They’re lying to you. Write them down, then rewrite them in a way that feels empowering: “I’m learning as I go, and that’s okay.”

3. Visualize Your Ideal Future. Get quiet, close your eyes, and imagine the life you want in vivid detail. What does it smell like? Feel like? Look like? Bonus tip: jot it down so you can revisit it when doubt creeps in. This is a powerful way to learn how to get out of a rut. Need help? Check out Quantum Leap Into Your Best Year.

4. Affirmations for the Win. Yes, they can feel cheesy at first, but they work. Start small: “I am open to new possibilities” or “I trust myself to take the next step.” Say it with conviction (or at least pretend you believe it). I also recommend some creative ways to use affirmations.

5. Meditate. Meditation gives your brain a break. Even five minutes of meditation can clear mental clutter and help you see things more clearly. Try this wonderful sleep practice that combines gratitude AND meditation.

Take Action

6. Set Micro-Goals. Big goals can feel overwhelming, so shrink them. Instead of a goal to write a book, try “write for 10 minutes today”. Celebrate that small win!

7. Try a New Hobby. Ever wanted to learn how to knit, make a herbal vinegar, or grow sprouts? Why not now? A new hobby or activity can lead to unexpected inspiration.

8. Declutter Your Space. It’s hard to move forward when you’re surrounded by chaos. Start with your desk, your junk drawer, or that one closet you avoid. Clearing physical clutter clears mental space too.

9. Prioritize Self-Care. No, self-care isn’t selfish. Go for a walk, take a bath, or nap unapologetically. Your body and mind will thank you. Here are some easy ways to love up on yourself.

10. Schedule “Action Hours.” Block out an hour to focus on one thing. No multitasking, no distractions, just laser-focused action. If you operate a business, you might designate 1-2 days a month as “CEO Days” so you can plan, set goals, and focus on the tasks that actually move your business forward.

Get Creative

11. Journal It Out. Sometimes, writing your thoughts down is all you need to figure out how to get out of a rut. No judgement… Let it flow. You might be surprised what bubbles to the surface.

12. Doodle or Sketch. You don’t have to be an artist to scribble on paper. Let your inner child out and watch how quickly creativity returns.

13. Create a Vision Board. Cut up old magazines or create a digital vision board with Pinterest. Seeing your dreams and goals laid out visually can help you realign with what you want.

14. Dance Like No One’s Watching. Turn on your favourite music and move your body. It’s amazing how dancing around like a fool can shift stagnant energy. I do this whenever I’m stuck in my marketing and need some fresh ideas. It also helps because I spend so much of my day on my butt!

15. Experiment with Sound Therapy. Play music that soothes your soul, try a sound bath, or chant simple mantras. Want some more ideas? Download my free sound healing resource, 5 Ways to Harness the Power of Sound to Engineer, Energize & Empower Your Day. You might also benefit from my Inner Healer Library, full of powerful vibrational healing tracks.

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Seek Support

16. Talk to a Mentor or Coach. Sometimes we need an outside perspective. A trusted guide can help you see the forest for the trees and offer actionable steps forward.

17. Explore Energy Work. Try a Quantum Energy Healing session. These subtle shifts in energy can clear emotional or mental blocks you didn’t even know were there. You might also like to book an Akashic reading or intuitive forecast.

18. Join a Community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can remind you that you’re not alone. Whether it’s an online group or a local meetup, connection can help you learn how to get out of a rut. Look for an online group if you’re in a small town or prefer not to travel.

19. Ask for Feedback. If you’re stuck on a project or decision, ask for honest feedback. Sometimes, fresh eyes can see what you’ve been missing.

20. Connect with Your Health Care Provider. Feeling stuck often has deeper roots. A good health care provider can help you uncover the “why” and create a path forward.

Change Your Environment

21. Get Outside. Nature is magic. Take a walk, sit under a tree, or just breathe in fresh air. Bonus points if you leave your phone behind. Here are some more creative ways to connect with nature.

22. Rearrange Your Space. Move your furniture around or add a pop of colour. Small changes can shift your mood in big ways. It’s one of the fastest (and cheapest) ways to figure out how to get out of a rut!

23. Declutter Your Digital Life. Organize your inbox, delete apps you don’t use, or clear out old files. A streamlined digital world feels surprisingly freeing.

24. Create a Sensory Reset Corner. Dedicate a space with candles, soft blankets, or calming scents. Use it when you need a quick mental reset.

25. Add Greenery to Your Space. Plants are like little oxygen-making mood boosters. Plants can even metabolize and make certain toxic chemicals harmless. Plus, taking care of them reminds you to nurture yourself, too.

Deepen Inner Connection

26. Embrace Silence. Turn off the noise: no phone, no music, no TV. Just sit in silence for 10–15 minutes and notice what thoughts or feelings arise. This can be a powerful way to reconnect with yourself.

27. Connect with Your Intuition. Use tools like meditation, the Akashic Records, or even just quiet reflection to hear that inner voice more clearly. Here are some more practical ways to develop your intuition.

28. Reconnect with Your Inner Child. Spend time doing something you loved as a kid. Maybe that’s painting, climbing trees, building a snow fort, etc. This playful energy can unlock joy and creativity when you feel bogged down.

29. Practice Breathwork. Conscious breathing techniques (like box breathing or alternate nostril breathing) can help release stuck energy and create clarity in minutes.

30. Reflect on Your Values. What really matters to you? Sometimes feeling stuck comes from being out of alignment with your values. Revisit them and adjust accordingly. I love these practices to help map out your core values.

How to Get out of a Rut the Easy Way

The truth is, being stuck isn’t a life sentence. You can learn how to get out of a rut!

It is, however, a clear sign that something needs to shift. It might be your mindset, your habits, or your surroundings. Pick one or two ideas from this list and give them a go. The smallest steps can lead to the biggest transformations.

I’d love to hear from you: Which strategy are you excited to try? Do you have a go-to method for getting unstuck that I missed?

Let me know in the comments!

Life is a plate… Eat up,

Ashleigh

Holistic Health Tips, Mind-Body Connection

How to Get Out of a Rut: 30 Powerful Ways to Break Free and Move Forward