How to Get Out of a Funk
feeling funky?
Last week, I asked what my Instagram followers would want to read about on my blog, and one of the top 2 answers was tips on how to get out of a funk. Lately, it seems like everyone is feeling a bit abnormal – it’s been that way for about a year and a half now – and it’s hard to prevent that. It’s a natural part of life; you’re going to go through phases of ups and downs. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t try to make the harder phases a little easier for us to deal with.
Here are some of the things that I do when I’m feeling stuck in a funk. Not all of these work every time, but more often than not, one of them does. I hope at least one of these ideas works for you, and just remember that this phase will not last forever. (:
take a relaxing bath or shower
Showering when I’m not feeling great (mentally or physically) reallyyy helps me; It feels like a little fresh start. (:
So turn that hot water allll the way up (or not, if that’s not your thing) and wash all that funk right off!!
curl up with a good book
Is there anything better than getting completely LOST in a book and just forgetting about everything around you while you’re cuddled up in a million blankets??
To take this to another level, add your favorite treat or drink, and I’m sure you’ll feel better in no time. (:
talk to someone you trust
Talking to a loved one can really help when you’re feeling stuck. It can be difficult to do so, but if you think it might help, give it a try. You shouldn’t have to deal with everything alone.
brain dump
Grab a piece of paper and a pen or pencil and WRITE. IT. OUT. Getting all your thoughts on paper can really help you move past all those difficult thoughts you may be having. It can also help you realize that the things that are bothering you are not as big or scary as they seem in your head.
sing + dance it out
If you’re DEEP in a funk, this one might be pretty hard, but if you music tends to have an impact on your mood, I really want you to try it. It doesn’t matter what kind of song it is – slow, moody, upbeat, anything – turn it on and sing and/or dance along with it.
take a nap
Sometimes a nap can really help clear your head of all the funky thoughts going round and round. If you’re in need of a break, I encourage you to set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes and take a power nap. Hopefully you’ll wake up with a clear mind that’s ready to take on the day. (:
get outside
Fresh air is another thing that REALLY helps me when I’m in a funky mood. Get outside and breathe in that good air, take in all your surroundings, and just enjoy all that’s out there. (:
move your body
Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself when you’re not in a good headspace is just move your body. Do whatever feels right at the moment – walk, run, yoga, strength-training, whatever you want! Play basketball, volleyball, or soccer with a few friends – just get out there and get movin’!
get dressed up
If I’m not feeling well internally, it can sometimes help to look good externally. Doing my hair is one of the fastest ways I’ve found to boost my mood when I’m down in the dumps. Painting my nails or doing my makeup also help, so do whatever you love. (:
fuel yourself
When I’m in a funk, I usually lose my appetite, but that does NOT mean I don’t need to eat. I think it’s especially important to fuel ourselves well when we’re having a hard time. That might mean eating some chips, candy, your favorite baked goods… or it can mean eating a salad, sandwich, or some fruits and veggies. Fuel your body the way that feels good to you at that time. (:
do something that makes you laugh
Whether this means calling someone who always knows how to make you smile, watching your favorite comedy, or something completely different… do it! Chances are, if you’re smiling or laughing, you’ll start to feel better in no time.
This is a GAME-CHANGER for me. Social media can be a great thing – depending on how you use it – but that doesn’t mean you should be tuned into it 24/7. For me, screen time seems to be a big influence on how I feel. If it’s the same for you, think about getting off social media – and maybe your phone altogether – next time you’re feeling funky.
be creative
Taking your mind off what’s going on in your head by taking part in something creative can be a big mood-booster. Paint, draw, color, knit, whatever you like to do to bring out your creative side!
clean up your space
It’s AMAZING how much better you can feel in a clean, tidy space! When I’m in a weird mood, I usually try to organize the space I spend the most time in (our room), and more often than not, it makes me feel so much better. If our room gets messy and we don’t clean it up for a few days, it feels like a massive weight lifted off my shoulders when we do get it taken care of.
embrace it
This is probably the most important – and influential – thing you can do for yourself when you’re in a funk. Don’t be mean to yourself for not feeling like your normal self. Be patient and kind to your mind, and you’ll have a much easier time pulling yourself out of the dumps. Don’t worry about everything else going on around you. Work, school, and whatever else is on your mind or your plate will still be there for you after these feelings pass. Take some time to take care of yourself, and remember that everything will be okay. (:
