Getting Out of a Slump: 10 Ways to Get Back On Track

1. Go away if only for 1 night. We often wait until we have the time or money to take a big vacation to a tropical island somewhere out of the country. However, there are great benefits to taking a quick weekend or one night get-a-way to rest and rejuvenate. Even if you drive 30 minutes away to a luxurious hotel and spend 1 day and night resting, dining out and being pampered, the results will be phenomenal.

2.  Read a good book or watch a movie where the main character is living the life you desire. Try "The Women" with Jada Pinkett Smith and Meg Ryan or "Sex and the City: The Movie". Both films feature strong, intelligent, funny women with great careers and fabulous lives in spite of the occasional difficulties they face.

3.  Talk or write about your fears, aspirations, goals etc. Talking (and writing) are both extremely therapeutic. I can't tell you how many times I've solved a problem or gained a new perspective from simply writing or talking about what was on my mind.

4. Pray or meditate. Choose the one that best helps you to find peace and clarity.

5.  Create a realistic schedule that keeps you focused and engaged on achieving your goals. This can be in the form of a weekly (or daily) "To Do" list. Create your list in advance so that your daily activities are specific and focused.  

6.  Work on developing discipline and consistency. This might involve putting yourself on a strict schedule that includes healthy eating, adequate sleep, regular exercise and increased professional productivity for at least 7 days. The point is to make an effort to develop discipline and good habits.

7.  Surround yourself with positive energy. Rid yourself of negative relationships as well as steer clear of negative environments and situations. Instead, gravitate towards people, places and situations that make you feel uplifted, happy and encouraged.

8.  Eat well and Exercise. Besides for being imperative for good physical health, eating well and exercising promote emotional and mental health. When I eat healthy and exercise, I feel stronger, more focused and in control.

9.  Get adequate rest. You should definitely get your 6-8 hours of sleep per night, but adequate rest is equally important. Take a few moments throughout the day to turn off your mind and just "be." During this period of rest you can take a few minutes to do something you enjoy like read the newspaper or play a game of online chest, or do nothing at all.

10.  Keep getting back on the bandwagon. Don't allow 1 mess up to turn into a total collapse of your good work, diet or exercise habits. You're in control! If you have 1 unproductive day don't let it turn into an unproductive week, and then an unproductive month... Everyday is a new opportunity to get it right.