9 Ways To Get Out of A FUNK!

Even for the most positive people, it's easy to get into a funk sometimes! From what I hear, it happens to most of us from time to time and you know what? That is okay!

A funk is a mood that is characterized by lack of motivation, grumpiness and general malaise. Although it’s usually less serious than depression or anxiety, it can last for weeks or months, if you don’t try to get rid of it. Enacting physical, mental and environmental changes may improve your outlook and get you out of a funk.

Happy Monday my friends! I know even Monday can put us in a little bit of a funk mood so cheer up and know that it can only get better from here.

Sometimes it's easy to get out of that funk sometimes it's not so easy so I have NINE tips to help you get out of your funk and get on with life! Sone if these cold work as stress relievers at the Holidays too so linking it up with Working it Wednesday

1. Take a “personal day” and do something you love. Instead of using all your vacation for holidays, devote a day to your favorite activity and indulge yourself. You may be in a working rut where you have forgotten what it’s like to enjoy the moment. Have a picnic, eat all your favorite foods, bake up a storm, visit friends, go on a long bike ride.

2. Get some sun. A lack of Vitamin D may result in mild depression, i.e., a funk. If you can’t get out in the sun with your arms exposed for 20 minutes, (which is easier to do this time of year), try buying a sun lamp or asking your doctor about supplements. I take a D vitamin, every day, just in case we get a ten day streak of clouds and rain. 

3. Rearrange your office or your house. A change can give you a new perspective. Don’t just move the things on the top of your desk, move the desk or couch to the other side of the room.

 

4. Write about it.  Journaling is not just for sentimental types!  Writing down your thoughts can be extremely helpful in crystallizing your thoughts and feelings. One practice I especially recommend is writing in a gratitude journal. The idea is that you write the things you're grateful for at the end of each day. It doesn’t matter at all what you write about– just what you were grateful for that day, like a hug from your son, an easy commute, a yummy ice cream cone you stopped and got on your way home from work. This process is very helpful for me whenever I feel stuck creatively or overwhelmed with my work or parenting, or any other kind of funk. When I look at all the things I found I was grateful for each day, it makes me smile. 

 

5. Go see a movie or read a book. You may find that when you escape your funk by going to a good movie or reading a good book, your funk is gone by the time it's over!!! You have let your mind delve into another world and it can be cleansing.

6. Go Shopping! Little retail therapy ladies! This may not get some people outta funk, but I do usually feel better after I have went out, got the blood flowing, tried on a bunch of stuff and came home with a new pair of shoes or anything really. Just getting out there even if I do not feel like it usually does the trick.

7. Move!  No, don't flee the house or the state! Turn up the jams and Dance. My favorite is going for a walk. Taking a walk in nature is helpful in many ways. Invite a friend to walk with you if you want, and then you get three-for-one therapy: community, exercise, and talk therapy.  I like to walk alone and think– it can be very clarifying. For me, there is no bad mood that can’t be dispelled by a walk in nature. Sometimes when I get there I am very skeptical about whether or not it will work, because I’m feeling so bad. But it always does, every time! Exercising increases the oxygen available to your brain, and helps you to solve problems. So when you feel stuck or overwhelmed, take some time to see something beautiful, breathe deeply and move your body outside. My favorite exercise regimine HERE

8. Give to others.  Kindness can heal.  When you begin to feel sorry for yourself, make a point of doing something kind for someone else.  Or reaching out and thanking someone for the joy or nourishment they have brought into your life.  This will take your mind off of your own issues and open the world up to you just a bit.  And guess what?  Kindness and good deeds are proven mood-lifters!  Even making a donation to a charity helps. Volunteer. Or opening the door for someone. Even just a smile can lift someones mood and yours!!

9. Play!   Playing or having fun may feel like the last thing you want to do.  But it can be so helpful.  Laughter is an incredible stress reliever, and going out and doing something frivolous or silly helps put life back into perspective. This is also a great way to bring your family into your life when you have been brooding.  Watch funny old videos, look for good stand-up comics to see or festivals and fairs to attend, play silly games with your kids. Do cartwheels if you know how– being upside down once in a while is good for you, too! Whatever it is that makes you smile, laugh, or forget about all the things that are on your mind– do more of that, and make it a priority.

 I hope its a great week for ya and nobody gets in a funk! But if you do remember these and give em' a try! Or tell us what you do to get outta your funk?

xoxo

"When I feel a little low, I put on my favorite high heels and stand a little taller."

~Dolly Parton