The Slump. It’s a term that’s famous in the baseball world, and it happens when a player just can’t seem to hit the ball the way they usually can, and for some players, a slump can last a long time. So much of the game is mental and when all you’re thinking about is your slump, you’re not in the right mental state to play to the best of your abilities. Which causes you to play poorly, thus extending your slump. It’s a vicious and seemingly endless cycle.
But what about a “slump” outside of the baseball world? Have you ever felt like you’re in a slump emotionally? Mentally? How about in your job?
Today let’s talk about 3 ways to “break the slump”
1. CHANGE IT UP
Don’t get me wrong, routines are good. In fact, I’ve done the exact same 5 things every day for almost a decade. (if you missed it, you can read about it here) But sometimes I can get into such a strict routine that I unintentionally create a pattern of thinking that doesn’t allow for creativity or outside the box thinking.
So, make a few minor changes. Drive a different route to work. Eat somewhere new. Work in a different spot for a day. Have a conversation with someone you don’t normally talk to. Sometimes creating new or different experiences will spark new thoughts or invoke different emotions. I’m not saying driving past a lake instead of taking the shortcut through a neighborhood will suddenly change your whole world, but it just might spark a new thought or emotion that could get things going in a new pattern.
2. GET SOME EXERCISE
A 2014 study by scientists at Stanford University showed that physical activity significantly improves cognitive efforts involved in creativity, specifically convergent thinking, such as the ability to come up with solutions to a problem, and divergent thinking, which involves original ideas. Other studies have found that exercise tends to improve convergent thinking in those who exercise three or more times per week.
In other words, hit the gym regularly and you’ll be more creative and better equipped to solve problems. (Plus, you burn some calories and you don’t feel so guilty about eating pizza)
3. INCREASE YOUR CIRCLE
We tend to only be friends with people who think like us or act like us. We also have inclinations to read, watch or listen to content we already agree with. If this doesn’t scream “pattern of thinking,” I don’t know what does.
So make an effort to become friends with someone who has a different worldview than you do. Maybe someone in a different stage of life, a different political view, or someone who just lives life in a different way than you do.
Try reading a book or listening to a podcast that will have thoughts or opinions that you might disagree with. It will challenge your thinking and it just might invoke new thoughts or emotions.
Again, none of these 3 things will instantly solve your problems and break you out of your slump, but it just might get the ball rolling in a new and positive direction.
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