5 Tips to Get Yourself Out of a Funk

We’ve all been there – for me, it’s usually when the leaves begin to fall off the trees and it starts getting dark around 6:30 p.m. that I get into a funk. Sometimes the solution is as simple as a container of ice cream, other times it takes a bit more than a sweet treat to pull me out of a funk, which is why I thought I would share some of my tips and tricks that have helped me.

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

1. Acknowledge The Feelings

The first thing you should do when trying to pull yourself out of a funk is acknowledge you are in one and even share how you are feeling with someone you trust. Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling and recognize that these feelings are not permanent. Try writing them down and, as you do, imagine releasing them from your body and the thoughts you are having from your mind. Continue this process of writing down how you are feeling as you pull yourself out of the funk – now you can look back at previous entries to witness your journey and the self-growth.

2. Get Moving

While it can be difficult to find the time or motivation to get moving during a busy workday, movement throughout those eight hours is crucial. Movement – whether walking, stretching or getting a workout in – has been proven to reduce levels of stress by 62 percent compared to those who remained inactive during the same period. Moving your body improves cognitive function, helps you to feel more alert and can have a huge impact on both your physical and mental well-being. 

3. Fill Your Own Cup

Most of us are familiar with the phrase, “you can’t pour from an empty cup” and it's true! Take some time to relax, rejuvenate and reset or partake in a hobby that feeds your soul. Another way to fill your own cup is to fuel your body with healthy and nutritious foods along with lots of water. For an extra sip - seek connection, reach out to close family and friends to pour some love into their cups and you will feel yours overflow.

4. Change Your Scenery

You may be very comfortable at your desk everyday with your coffee and blanket, but your brain may be half asleep. A way to wake up without the caffeine kick is to change your scenery. By adventuring to a local coffee shop or working outside, your brain has to work a bit more to take in new sights and sounds. The change in scenery forces your brain to be open, receptive and think outside the box, which can contribute to creativity and clarity and boost your overall mood.

5. Set Goals

The longer the funk lasts, the harder it can feel to get out of it. One way to help is to set goals for yourself. Nearly six in 10 Americans say that some of the major successes in their life have been the result of setting specific goals for themselves.

On a piece of paper divided into three sections write: Daily Goals, Weekly Goals and Monthly Goals. In the Daily Goals section include attainable goals. Some to consider that you could easily complete in hour or less: drinking 32 oz. of water, walking 3,000 steps, or meditating before work, to name a few. In the Weekly Goals section give yourself some grace with things that you can do over a few days like trying out a new recipe, going to bed at a certain time and practicing mindfulness. For the Monthly Goal section include celebrating a small milestone that you might have looked over, reading a book, or doing something that’s just for your enjoyment.

Experiencing a funk is a normal part of life and you are not the first to go through it! You can take action by using the tips above to help, however, there is no one-size fits all approach to getting out of a funk. Listening to yourself, processing your feelings and personalizing your plan will help most.