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Feel stuck? Here's how to set yourself free

At some point in your life, you've probably felt stuck. Whether you feel like you're spinning your wheels at work, in your personal life, or with fitness, there are a few proven methods that experts say will help you get unstuck.
Related : 3 keys to motivating yourself when you feel stuck
1. Take a break.
Just as a quick break from work can make you more productive throughout the day, a longer break, like a vacation, can help break free from a long productivity rut. Leaving the office for a few days without checking your email, answering your phone, or doing other work-related activities can clear your mind and reduce anxiety. Then, when you return to work, you can see your problems from a new perspective.
2. Start small.
Set small goals to break down what you need to accomplish into achievable chunks. Depending on what got you into the rut, you might be overwhelmed with the amount of work it takes to get out of it. Instead of focusing on the main tasks, divide your work into smaller goals and accomplish them one by one.
3. Just say no.

As financial writer Kristin Wong writes, one of the worst things you can do when you're stuck is accepting more unnecessary work. Adding stress to your life when you already feel stuck will only make things worse. If your friend asks you for a favor that takes time, tell them it's not the best time.
Related: What to do when you don't know what to do (and the secret to shredded abs)

This article originally appeared in the October 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.