Don't forget that hormones change starting mid-30s. Fatigue and energy levels can be affected due to lower testosterone, or from just years of sitting in chairs. Also, don't forget we're coming out a pandemic that really put us into isolation... maybe not as noticeable for those of us that tend to work in isolation anyhow, but it can have an unrealized toll.
I'm 41 and going through a divorce, so I have a distraction that carries over into everything else. But, I'm now also freed up to go do the things that I haven't been able to enjoy in years because of obligations or trying to make someone else happy. I've been able to go out on weekends exploring or camping, joining up with friends and reestablishing connections, and now have a puppy that is forcing a little more structure into areas of my life that I became overly relaxed in (plus his unconditional love is soothing).
Another thing to consider is just the amount of tangential stress in our lives from seemingly one bad thing to another: politics, the economy, foreign affairs, social media, etc.
Really, I don't think there's one single thing to point to but a conglomeration of many things. I try to focus on what can be controlled and let go of the things that I can't.
Things that have helped me in the past when I'm in a rut include: taking up a new hobby (I find woodworking enjoyable because it's more physical; cooking is another great choice too), learning a new programming language (I learn ideas that can be fun to experiment with or incorporate into my daily work), traveling nearby (get a Hipcamp glamping spot with a minimal of fuss; get away from things for a bit; clear the head, feel your body), explore a new book genre (I've been slowly getting into audio books), volunteer work (I joined my neighborhood HOA and try to bring my experience into solving little problems that others don't have the experience with; though there is the occasional neighbor drama, I'm on good terms with everyone and have regular and good conversations with neighbors while out walking or working in my yard).
Anyhow, this is all to say that I think that as we age and mature in our careers, these ruts we find ourselves in require a more "holistic" approach to finding a way out.
I'm 41 and going through a divorce, so I have a distraction that carries over into everything else. But, I'm now also freed up to go do the things that I haven't been able to enjoy in years because of obligations or trying to make someone else happy. I've been able to go out on weekends exploring or camping, joining up with friends and reestablishing connections, and now have a puppy that is forcing a little more structure into areas of my life that I became overly relaxed in (plus his unconditional love is soothing).
Another thing to consider is just the amount of tangential stress in our lives from seemingly one bad thing to another: politics, the economy, foreign affairs, social media, etc.
Really, I don't think there's one single thing to point to but a conglomeration of many things. I try to focus on what can be controlled and let go of the things that I can't.
Things that have helped me in the past when I'm in a rut include: taking up a new hobby (I find woodworking enjoyable because it's more physical; cooking is another great choice too), learning a new programming language (I learn ideas that can be fun to experiment with or incorporate into my daily work), traveling nearby (get a Hipcamp glamping spot with a minimal of fuss; get away from things for a bit; clear the head, feel your body), explore a new book genre (I've been slowly getting into audio books), volunteer work (I joined my neighborhood HOA and try to bring my experience into solving little problems that others don't have the experience with; though there is the occasional neighbor drama, I'm on good terms with everyone and have regular and good conversations with neighbors while out walking or working in my yard).
Anyhow, this is all to say that I think that as we age and mature in our careers, these ruts we find ourselves in require a more "holistic" approach to finding a way out.