Getting out of a slump can be hard, but if you really want to, it's possible. We don't have to be controlled by our emotions. Here are 5 simple ways to get out of a slump.

It happens to all of us. We're strolling through life, everything is going fine, and then BAM! All of a sudden we find ourselves in a slump and we're not even sure how we got there. I suppose it's true that everyone's slump looks and feels a little bit different. For me, when I'm in a slump it usually means that I feel a little bit sad and out of whack. It's not that anything in particular is wrong, but I just feel stressed, sad, overwhelmed, and not myself.

Related Post: How to Reset Your Day

Sometimes, there's a reason I'm in a slump. Sometimes there's extra stress in my life. Sometimes I'm not being as disciplined in certain areas in my life and I start to feel bad about myself. But sometimes, I feel down for no reason at all, and yet I can't quite get out of a slump.

So what's a girl to do?

Well, I can't solve the worlds problems, and I can't magically make your slump go away, but I do have a few tips that I believe can help you overcome a slump if you practice them consistently when you notice a slump coming on.

*Note: before we go any further, please know that there is a difference between being in a slump and being truly depressed. I've experienced both and while there can be some overlap, there is definitely a difference. While these tips might help someone with depression, I am not in any way suggesting that if you suffer with depression this is "all you need to do". Seek out a doctor or counselor if you are depressed. 

5 Simple Ways to Get Out of a Slump

1. Get Outside

There's something so healing about nature. For me, my favorite time to be outside is when the sun is shining and the air has a slight nip to it (aka - fall and spring). But regardless of the time of year, getting outside, even for just a few minutes, to soak in the sunshine, breathe in the fresh air, and take a short walk is a great way to get out of a slump. It's not a cure-all, but God has certainly designed the outdoors to aid us in our mood and overall mental, emotional, and physical health. 

2. Start your day slowly

I am a big believer in cultivating a morning ritual. For me, I like to start my day early and slowly. I make coffee and breakfast, light a candle, grab a fuzzy blanket, and read my bible before I start the day. But guess what... I am often tempted to start my day by jumping straight into work because otherwise I feel unproductive and stressed. This isn't healthy.

Likewise, if you have a job outside of the home, if you sleep as late as possible and then run around frantically trying to get ready every morning, that creates a state of mental chaos that will only add to your slump.

We were not meant to constantly run around like a chicken with our heads cut off, and there is benefit to making time in our mornings to sit, be still, and appreciate the quite. 

For me, now that the summer heat has subsided and we've started to have some nice, cool mornings again, I want to start utilizing my porch swing. Taking a few minutes to swing, drink my coffee (usually my second cup at that point 😉), and listen to the birds chirp is such a simple way for me to feel calmer and happier. What could you do in your morning routine that would make you feel this way?

While some seasons don't always allow for stillness first thing in the morning, I highly recommend trying to craft the habit of starting your day slowly if your season does allow it. Maybe even consider changing around your schedule a bit so that it is possible if it's a priority to you.

3. Make time for what you love

Do you love crocheting? Or going to the gym? Or painting? Or writing? Whatever it is that lights up your life and makes you feel more like you every time you do it - make time for that thing. Even if it's just five minutes. Even if it doesn't look exactly like your ideal scenario.

Maybe you love going to the gym but right now you can't manage to get to the gym consistently and have cancelled your membership. That's okay! Take 10 minutes a day to do an at home workout. 

Finding creative ways to incorporate what you love into your day is a simple way to make an impact and get out of a slump.

4. Seek out your friends (or seek to make friends)

If you already have a solid group of friends and a community, seek those people out when you're in a slump. God has given us community for our good and he will often use those people to lift us up, encourage us, and point us back towards him.

What if you don't have a godly community in your life? Go find it. Put your efforts into finding a church or bible study with people who care for your heart and encourage you in the Lord when you are feeling down. Don't live life without community - you weren't meant to do that. 

Related: How to find a great Christian community

5. Get into God's word

I know that sometimes people act like reading the Bible is the answer to all life's problems, and I know it can sometimes seem like the "Sunday school answer", but getting into God's word actually does matter. God's word is living and active. It's useful for so many good things and able to help us (Hebrews 4:12). Likewise, God's power is a true help for us (2 Peter 1:3). Seeking God's word when we are in a slump doesn't make all our emotions go away, but it does help us center our hearts back onto God instead of ourselves, and it helps us focus on truth. I don't know about you, but a slump often causes me to do the opposite, so reading God's word when I'm in a slump is something I desperately need (even when I don't feel like it). 

Friend, if you're in a slump right now, try these 5 simple ideas to get out of a slump and see if they help. They may not make everything better, but I think they'll make a difference. And if you have any other suggestions for getting out of a slump that I haven't included, I'd love to hear them. Comment with your ideas below!