The Two-Month Slump: What It Is and How to Work Through It

Why am I so tired? Why is my commute not as exciting to me as it once was? Why do I feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day and too many hours in the day at the same time? Why do I feel so out of rhythm? Is anyone else feeling this way? What am I doing wrong?

These, my friend, are the tell-tale signs of the Two Month Slump. 

What is the “Two Month Slump?”

I was on the phone with my mom in November asking her these very questions when she told me about a phenomenon a friend had shared with her, and it completely opened up my perspective about what I was experiencing. Not only that, but other people I knew confessed to feeling similarly. If this is a universal experience, why aren’t we talking about it? So, here I am to share what I’ve been learning with you. 

Whether you start a new job, begin a new semester at school, or move to a new place, a shift will occur right around the 8-10 week mark. This is when the shininess of the newness begins to dull, the feeling of drinking out of a firehose subsides, and life seems to settle down. A level of normalcy creeps in that feels boring or even wrong, especially after a never-ending stream of new, stressful, and exciting things. The “coming down” from a constant adrenaline rush that often leaves us feeling stuck or wrestling with our new normal… that is the Two Month Slump. 

So, now that we can recognize the symptoms of Two Month Slump, it’s time to learn how to work through it. 

Grammar 101 - You have Agency

I’m aware that this is a very geeky title, but we need to pause and clarify the most important aspect of this blog, which is the phrase “how to work through it.” It seems so simple—Savannah, you’re obviously writing a blog with tips on how to handle the Two Month Slump—but it carries the power to encourage and equip. It’s not merely an introduction to a feel-good blog, but a call to action. 

Notice how I used the phrase “work through” instead of “get over.” This is everything. Let me get out my headphones and turntables, because I’m about to break it down for you… 

“Work” - This is the first key word. Don’t click out just yet! I know this can be a bit of a trigger word, especially when you’re already exhausted. Let me cut to the chase: there is effort required to take on the two month slump. Like it or not, life won’t regulate itself for you. We have to be willing to take action in the name of bettering ourselves or making a difference. After all, passivity is the enemy of change—how will you create a routine or change your habits if you’re not doing anything to make it happen? The answer: you won’t. So, we must foster the boldness and strength to step out of the slump and into change. 

“Through” - Have you ever heard the “Going on a Bear Hunt” song? Maybe working in primaria and infantil is getting to me, but the writers were onto something with it. In this song, the explorers are looking for a bear and there are various obstacles in the way; the lyrics tell us that we “Can’t get over it! / Can’t go under it! / Can’t go around it! / Got to go through it!” And it’s so true! Any other preposition would weaken the message. Think about it like “get ___preposition___ the two month slump;” “out” and “around” are avoidant, “over” is dismissive, “by” is passive, and we certainly don’t want to stay “in” the slump. It’s not easy, but facing this slump head-on is the best way to overcome it. 

Triumph the Slump 

Now that we’re on the same page and agree that we have to take action when we’re in the slump, I want to share some of the ways that I worked through my own slump. 

Use a calendar or planner.

I’ve always loved Google Calendar, but I began to use it a little differently when I hit my slump. Instead of squeezing in the gym, errands, or laundry between events, I started scheduling them intentionally. That small shift kept the little things from piling up and becoming overwhelming. A planner helps you stay organized so things don’t slip through the cracks.

It's also an incredibly powerful tool when facing the lies of the slump. Oftentimes when we're feeling down, we feel as though we haven't accomplished anything. Using a calendar isn't just for the future, but can also serve as a reminder of how much you've done as you look back at past weeks. Don't forget: you are adventuring and adulting—that is quite impressive! 

Now, I know that can sound rather trapping for my more spontaneous or Type B friends. Hear this clearly: you can be spontaneous and still use a planner. A schedule isn’t a trap; our minds and bodies need regulation and routine. In that way, using a planner is a form of self care, not of self confinement, as you take care of daily tasks, create a healthy routine, and anticipate exciting events around the corner. 

Tip: To make your schedule more personal and fun, I would recommend color coding for different types of events. Visual appeal can be motivating. 

Exercise.

Although we walk a ton in Europe, setting aside time to exercise was key to working through my slump. This isn't just a “because Savannah says so”moment—there’s real science behind this. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are often lovingly called “happy hormones.” These, as hinted in their nickname, increase your mood and lessen stress (for more info, check out some sources I've included at the bottom of this blog!), which is exactly what you need during a slump. 

Intentional exercise reminds you to take care of your body in spite of feeling down; it forces you to move, meaning you physically remove yourself from where you feel stuck. I would encourage you to carve out some exercise at least three to four times a week, outside of daily walking. This will help you to get out of your slump both physically through movement and physiologically through hormones. Use the science of exercise to your advantage!  

Tip: Stretching or yoga at the end of the day is a great way to better your sleep, calm your mind, and allow your body to react to your day. Even 15 minutes before bed will go a long way. 

Eat well. 

Your body needs fuel. It's hard on your body to move to a new place and face a constant stream of new things, people, rules, and places—meaning the little things can be more exhausting than usual. The same goes for when you're in a slump: things feel more difficult and exhaust you more easily, so you need to adjust accordingly. Be sure to prioritize a healthy, well-rounded variety of foods, especially fruits and veggies, so that your body is better equipped to handle the difficulties of the slump. After all, you can't win a war on an empty stomach. 

P.S. Don't forget that it's okay to treat yourself every once in a while! 

Tip: I personally combined this with #1 and re-integrating meal-prepping into my Sunday routine, as this was something I did before moving abroad. It's a great way to maintain your schedule and to save money, too. 

Talk about it. 

As I mentioned in the beginning of this blog, I didn't realize that anyone else was feeling the same way I was until I spoke it out loud. It felt good to be honest that I was having a hard time, and even better when I realized that I wasn't alone in my experience. Choosing to move abroad is brave and wonderful, but we often forget that there are an abundance of difficult aspects, as well. Sharing honestly with your new-found community creates connection and support. 

If nothing else, hear this: you aren't weak, failing, or doing something wrong. In fact, speaking honestly about how you're doing is a sign of great strength and personal awareness. Lean into your people at home and in this new place, I promise that they want to be there for you. 

Tip: Consider adding journaling into your routine, even if just once a week, so that you can continuously be aware of how you're feeling. It's great to jot down memories, too! 

Regulate is the Recipe

These tips can be summed up into one word: regulate. Whether physically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, or practically, regular maintenance of your well-being matters. Your regulation will be the foundation of success, giving you strength within your routine until you feel strong enough to venture again. Remember: there will still be hard days. Working through something is a process, and processes take time. Yet, working through the slump will not only restore you, but strengthen you. 

You have all the ingredients for the recipe to successfully work through the two month slump, now use them. ¡Ánimo!

References & More Information

“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Nursery Rhymes.” All Nursery Rhymes, 2024, allnurseryrhymes.com/going-on-a-bear-hunt/.

More about the benefits of exercise:

Cleveland Clinic - Endorphins: What They Are and How to Boost Them

Help Guide - How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health? 

National Library of Medicine - Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being

Mayo Clinic - Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Decreases Symptoms