We all have those days (or let’s be real—weeks) where everything feels kinda… meh. The motivation is MIA, the to-do list is giving side-eye from across the room, and you’re just stuck in this foggy little funk. I call it The Rut. Capital T, capital R.

And when I’m in it? Ugh. I am in it. The kind of rut where I forget what a routine even is and spend an unhealthy amount of time binge watching Yellowjackets while the dishes slowly pile up in the sink.  (classic millennial behavior, I know).

But over time, I’ve found a few trusty things that help me snap out of it—gently, lovingly, like a warm hug from your favorite playlist or a perfectly made latte. If you’ve been feeling a little off lately too, here are three things that help me reset when I’m deep in the trenches:

1. Romanticize The Little Things

When I’m in a rut, my instinct is to wait for some big magical moment to fix everything. But the truth? It’s the itty bitty micro-moments that pull me out. Like lighting a candle that smells like you live in a fancy Nancy Meyers kitchen. Or putting on a matching set—even if I’m not leaving the house. Or playing music that makes me feel like I’m the main character in a coming-of-age movie (bonus points if it’s raining and I’m staring out the window like I’m in a sad indie film).

Suddenly, I’m living again. Maybe not at full speed, but like… low-key vibing. And that’s enough to get the momentum going. Unsure of how to romanticize the little things? Check out this article for some guidance.

2. “Clear The Decks” Day

Sometimes the mental clutter is just a reflection of the actual clutter. When I feel overwhelmed, I give myself a “clear the decks” day. That means I tackle a few things that have been haunting me—laundry piles, unopened mail, the mysterious Tupperware drawer that’s become a plastic jungle.

No pressure to do everything. Just a few things to create some mental breathing room. I make a lil’ playlist (always!), throw on some leggings, and get to it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s just to feel like I have a little bit of control again. (And nothing makes me feel like I’ve got my life together quite like a freshly made bed.)

3. One Tiny Promise To Myself

When I’m in a rut, I tend to ghost… myself. I flake on the things I said I’d do, even the simple stuff like taking a walk or journaling or drinking enough water. (Why is drinking enough water so hard when you’re in a slump?!). So instead of trying to overhaul my entire life in one go, I make one tiny promise to myself and actually keep it.

It could be “I’m going to stretch for 5 minutes today,” or “I’ll drink one full glass of water before my coffee.” Nothing wild. But when I keep that small promise? I start to remember I can trust myself again. And that is a very powerful little spark.

Getting out of a rut isn’t always a dramatic glow-up moment. Sometimes, it’s just choosing to try again. To tidy the corner of your life you can reach. To say “okay, let’s go again,” even if it’s slow and clumsy.

So if you’re in a rut right now, just know—you’re not alone. You don’t need to do anything fancy or fix everything overnight. Just light the candle. Play the song. Make one small promise. You’ve got this.