I’ve heard “honeymoon phase” apply to romantic relationship before, but never to a business. Although, if you consider yourself married to your job (which many entrepreneurs do), this concept is not so far off.

I noticed it had happened to me recently – actually, I think it had been occurring over a few months, but I attributed it to other factors: the weather, personal events, general bouts of laziness (hey, it happens!). However, something seemed to be a bit off. I continued with my client work, but had noticed that my penchant for pursuing new opportunities was lagging. Finally – I heard someone say that the honeymoon period for my business was likely over.

Launching my own business had actually been a dream come true – after years wasted commuting (I know many of you hear me), feeling stuck and unchallenged in the office setting, and bemoaning the lack of variety in my workday, I saw an opportunity to create something of my own. When I finally made the leap, I felt such a sense of accomplishment and pride. When I heard (and continue to hear) that many other professionals dream of making the same leap, I continue to feel inspired.

Yet, I had lost that inspiration in my own work.

In one of the online communities I participate in, I recently saw a post citing the half-way mark of 2016, and asking how the progress had been on achieving our goals. I make it a habit to set annual goals (personal and professional) anyways, and I took the opportunity to review them.

So, with the shocking realization that 2017 will be here in SIX MONTHS – I took stock of my efforts and set out to change my mindset.

I’m hopeful if you’ve fallen into a similar slump, this list will help you as well.

5 Ways to Beat the Workplace Blues:

• Identify why you are feeling uninspired. If you’ve entered into workplace fatigue, think of non-work ways to unwind: take a one-day, mid-week staycation and unplug, visit a museum, schedule a long leisurely lunch.
• Make a list. Include the reasons above of why you might be inspired. I have always been diligent about list-making, but noticed that I had just been emailing myself “to-do” notes over the last few months. No Bueno. Make a list, and check that $hit off.
• Change locations. Work in a conference room (if you’re office-bound), schedule a tele-work day, or two, work from a library or coffee-house.
• Play music. Never underestimate the power of Pandora (or, Spotify, as I prefer) to really get cranking. I find that instrumental stations are best (favorites on Spotify include Classic Acoustic and Focus Now).
• Schedule creative time. I’m a firm believer that everyone has some sort of creative outlet. Whether yours is writing, reading, coloring, baking or something else – removing yourself from screen time is crucial.

Christy O’Shoney recently (and bravely) wrote about her struggles to let work commitments lay dormant, while she battled a serious illness in the “The ‘I Feel Better (Ish)’ Post: What I Learned While Sick.” Above all else, understand that most of the time, your energy will return, so be good to yourself when these slumps occur – because they will!

What are your favorite tips for getting out of a work slump?