You know the feeling.

Work just isn’t interesting or fulfilling. Relationships are exhausting. You’re bored, tired, frustrated, going through life in a haze. Nothing seems to work out the way you want it to, and even when it does, you have a hard time getting excited. All you want to do is throw yourself down on the couch, turn on the television, and forget about how you feel for a little while.

You’re in a slump.

The good news is that slumps are common and usually temporary, and believe it or not, they can be a great reset point to get your life back on track.

Slumps are a natural part of the cycle of life.

First of all, there is nothing wrong with you. Remaining on the receiving end of a constant flow of inspiration and excitement is an unrealistic expectation, perpetuated by everything from advertisers hoping you’ll purchase their product to wellness bloggers that want to maintain a facade of perfect, pretty fulfilment. But if you never feel like you’re in a slump, then you’re probably never growing or changing as a person.

A slump is a really good indication that you want more out of life. More excitement, perhaps, but also more meaning, more contentment, more authenticity. Listen to what your slump is trying to tell you: you’re not where you want to be.

The first step to getting out of a slump: return to the basics

There is absolutely no shame in returning to the basics while you work your way out of your slump. In fact, this is an essential part of the process of getting you excited about life again. You can’t climb your way out of the pit if you’re not feeling your best or taking care of yourself.

Returning to the basics means focusing on maintaining a baseline of self-care. It means nourishing your body with organic, seasonal foods whenever you can, sleeping an appropriate amount every night (most adults need 7-9 hours), staying clean and groomed, keeping tidy living and working spaces, and trying to exercise and/or get out into nature for at least half an hour a day.

Even if you don’t feel capable or interested in doing anything else, keeping up these basic self-care habits will ensure that you’ll feel accomplished and peaceful at both a physical and mental level.

What is your slump saying to you?

When you’re in a slump, you might be feeling everything from boredom to hopelessness. What do these emotions tell you? Is your boredom calling you to finally sign up for that writing course, or go on that silent retreat, or get out into the dating world? Is your insecurity inviting you to build up your confidence by nurturing your body and health? Is your hopelessness urging you to try to make a difference in the world?

Using a slump to rediscover yourself

What is your ideal life? What is your life right now? What is the landscape in between, and how can you traverse that landscape? Think of this slump as a rest stop: it’s a perfect time to gather your resources and prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

Know when a slump is a slump, and when it might be something more

It’s important to recognize the difference between a temporary slump and something more serious and lasting. Depression affects over 16 million people in the United States alone. If you’ve lost interest in your relationships, passions, hobbies, and health, or have experienced any of the symptoms listed here, it’s important to speak to a professional to find a way to move forward. Activities like yoga and meditation have been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression, and are excellent paths to healing and building resilience when you find yourself in a slump, too.

If you’re in a slump right now, remember that there’s a brighter day on the horizon. Only you know the way forward, so listen to what your mind, heart, and body are telling you. You have more wisdom than you know!

Paige Leigh Reist is a writer, editor, blogger, and writing instructor.