Have you ever felt like a dark cloud is hanging over your head? Or like a heavy weight is on your shoulders? Or perhaps you can relate to that stomach-churning feeling of being weighed down by fear?

If any of these sound familiar, join the club sister!

All of us experience ruts from time to time — it’s part of the natural ebb and flow of life. However, when you’re bogged down in one yourself, it can be easy to believe that you’re all alone, and that everyone else has their shizzle together while you’re the only one struggling in Fear Town.

WE ALL GET STUCK IN A RUT SOMETIMES, IT’S HOW YOU BUST OF IT THAT COUNTS.

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Let me be the one to tell you that that’s simply not true! Today, with social media and the interwebs, it’s easy to believe that other people’s lives are ‘perfect’. After all, most people only share their highlight reel with the rest of the world, so it’s easy to convince yourself that others never experience anything but overflowing joy and ecstatic happiness. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Everyone — including me — experiences anger, frustration, sadness, and grief at times. I’ve definitely been stuck in my fair share of ruts, sometimes to the point where it feels like I’m buried in a deep, dark hole and can’t get out. But over the years I’ve gotten better and better at pulling myself out of those not-so-fun ‘down’ times thanks to these 13 super-powerful tools to bust out of a rut…

1. Have a pity party dance off

If you’re down in the dumps, it’s important not to dismiss how you’re truly feeling. But it’s also super important that you don’t hang out in Fear Town with your Mean Girl for too long.

Throwing yourself a pity party dance off is a great way to acknowledge the emotions coursing through you, and quickly process and release them so you can swiftly move back into the present.

2. Remember, this too shall pass

When you are stuck in an all-consuming rut, it can feel enormous — like the ground is going to open up and swallow you whole. But reminding yourself that ‘this too shall pass’ can be incredibly powerful.

Sometimes, if I’m having a particularly icky time, I’ll even write it on a Post-it note and stick it on my computer, that way I can be reminded of it all day long.

3. Get outside into nature

One of the quickest ways I have found to get out of a funk is to get outside and connect with Mother Nature. Her divine healing powers physically change the biochemistry of your body. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the grass or sand, breathe deeply, and let yourself connect with her.

4. Meditate

I know the last thing you feel like doing when you’re in a rut is sitting and meditating, but after years and years of practice, I can tell you this: I have never once regretted a meditation… EVER! Even those times when I have had to drag my butt to my meditation cushion kicking and screaming. In fact, they are usually the most potent, ground-breaking sessions, where your heart expands and true growth happens.

5. Dive into the ocean

Similar to point #3, there is something so healing about diving into the fresh water and washing away all your worries. The ocean is incredibly cleansing. When I dive under the first wave, I visualise any worries, stressors, fears or concerns literally washing over and away from me.

The power of visualisation and Mother Nature combined is truly dynamite.

6. Laugh with a child

I know that when I can find the awareness to stop, be present and laugh with a child, no matter how dark the rut I am in, it always subsides.

Never underestimate the power of laughter, it’s the best (and cheapest) medicine.

7. Move your tush

Exercise releases endorphins (the feel-good hormones), which are exactly what you need rushing through your body if you’re feeling funky. So get your body moving. Whether it’s yoga, pilates, boxing, a walk or jumping on a rebounder, just shake it out and move your buns.

I love pumping this song really loud and dancing my heart out in my lounge room. Give it a go — you won’t be disappointed.

8. Open up

Nothing good comes from closing off. Your Mean Girl will tell you to stay closed off but the best way to move through any icky-ness is to open that big, beautiful heart of yours. It will feel scary. You will feel incredibly vulnerable. But on the other side of that is growth.

9. Talk to someone

I personally prefer to go inward and work on my ‘stuff’ for myself, however there are times when talking it out with someone you love and trust — like a coach, healer, partner or soulie (soul sister) — can be very helpful. They may even help shine some light on something you weren’t aware of. However, tune in with yourself and do what feels right for you.

If talking to someone doesn’t feel intuitively right in your bones then don’t do it.

10. Soak up some soul fuel

I am constantly reading, listening to podcasts and watching inspiring videos like The Goddess Group On Demand, to keep my motivation high and creativity flowing.

I find when I stop doing these things creativity, inspiration and motivation dry up. The good thing is it only takes one video to bust you out of that rut and get you back on your path.

11. Have a bath

I love mixing coconut oil, clay, essential oils and epsom salts in a bath and soaking my worries away. Try not taking anything into the bath with you — no book or phone — and just close your eyes, breathe, and let your worries melt away.

12. Make love

Like connecting with Mother Nature, making sweet love to your partner can literally change the biochemistry in your cells. Those times when you don’t want to open up and be vulnerable are usually the times you need to do it most.

Stay open and present and feel your body chemistry lift and your cells start to dance.

13. Journal it out

Uncensored writing really helps me get clarity and lifts me out of my funks. Remember, no one is going to read it, so open your heart and write from a space of truth. It’s incredibly therapeutic and great for your soul.

So there you have it — my top 13 tools for busting yourself right outta that rut. Next time you’re feeling crappy, or like a dark cloud is hanging over you, try one of these techniques and watch the weight of heaviness subside. And remember, happiness is a choice — your choice — and you can choose to suffer or choose to live. It’s up to you, beautiful.

Now I would LOVE to hear from you. What are your go-to remedies to help lift you out of a rut? Share with us in the comments below. And remember, your comment might be the one insight someone needs to hear to make dramatic shifts within their life.

Thank you, as always, for being so open and loving in the comments. I love you to the moon and back.