Some people call it the winter blues or the hibernation effect. Though it can happen anytime of the year it is often now, in the dead of winter that we are most apt to feel a little lackluster about our work or even our lives in general. Even the most motivated and driven among us periodically fall into the work-a-day doldrums and find ourselves stuck in a rut.

Today’s business world is 24/7 and we are expected to produce and move forward no matter the season or the strong urges you feel to just put in your time and go home.  So how do you improve, be upbeat and carry on when your enthusiasm wanes? The first step is to acknowledge that you’re stuck.

Here are some sure signs that your life is stalled:

• Your energy level  has dropped dramatically
• You become undecided about your next step
• You’re tired, not sleeping well, are gaining weight or just not feeling well
• Here’s the BIGGIE…You stop dreaming about ‘what is possible’ and can barely navigate ‘what is’

There is no reason to spend another day stuck in a rut.  Here are some tips adapted from the book Achieving Extreme Greatness by Jeff Smith that will help you get your groove back and begin enjoying your work and life again.

1. Convince yourself it will pass. When you in a rut it seems like things will never change. Simply recognizing that this is just a phase you are going through can take the pressure off and help you make changes faster.
2. Change your routine. Being stuck in a rut is really nothing more than succumbing to a laundry list of bad habits. Breaking your routine is one way to get the ball rolling.
3. Get social. We tend become isolated at low points of our lives. A better approach is to surround yourself with optimistic people and mentors, let their positivity rub off on you and help you see the light.  Another reason we often feel in the dumps is because of the negative people we ally ourselves with.  Take a look at who you’re hanging around and choose to associate with those who bring you up rather than hold you down.
4. Get moving!  The lack of energy you feel at on the job can be greatly improved with a little exercise outside of work. So  even though it can be hard to get started when times feel tough get your body moving by taking up a favorite sport or fitness class, take a walk, jog, swim or whatever activity floats your boat.
5. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Even though the very thought of it  can make some people quake in their boots, you need to remember that no one has ever achieved anything without taking a risk and stepping out of their comfort zone. It doesn’t have to be crazy or even anything big…just challenge yourself to try something new.
6. Lend a helping hand. Whether it’s helping a co-worker who is overwhelmed with a project or mentoring the new kid on the block, helping someone out is a wonderful way to not only benefit others but it will give you a sense of purpose and contribution and really get your endorphins flowing and feeling good.