We’ve all been there.
You’re feeling off for whatever reason — lack of sleep, burnout at work, touched out with the kids, not enough quality time with your partner, not prioritizing your health, family drama, financial worries… There are really a number of things that can lead you to be in a funk.
So, what do you do about it? Do you sulk, sit around, cry — or — bounce into action, and move into I-can-fix-this mode?
However you deal (or don’t) with being “in a funk”, let me say… it’s all completely normal and OK. Everyone has different ways of moving through discomfort, disappointment, and the valleys of life’s unexpected changes. What’s really important is gaining perspective and getting to the other side in your time, with grace and support.
When I’m in one (it’s usually when I’m overly tired and burnt out at work), I try one of these four things to get out of a funk:
Have a good belly laugh.
For me, this looks like a comedy show (Netflix has a ton), dinner out with close girlfriends, or Zumba. Wherever I can “zone out” and laugh my butt off for an hour or two, it really turns my mood around and allows me to get out of my head and into my heart. Last resort… call the family member or friend who always makes you laugh. We need to laugh. It lightens everything. When’s the last time you really, like really, laughed?
Connect to music.
Music is universal. It’s powerful. It’s meaningful. If I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed and/or down, I always find connection and inspiration through new or old music (personally, I love discovering new music, but I have my go-tos that just feel good to my soul). I really enjoy reading song lyrics, too, and finding a line that resonates with me and my current mood. It’s almost a reflection to me, like, “Yeah, that IS how I’m feeling. Someone else gets it.”
Moving motivation.
Try combining movement and a podcast. It’s seriously one of my favorite ways to (literally) move through heavy feelings and emotions. I will peruse my list of top podcasts and narrow in on the episode names. Depending on my mood or current mental state, I’ll pick one that resonates at that very moment. I often find I feel lighter and more supported at the end of a podcast episode during my neighborhood walk. Here’s a look at some of my top picks.
Get creative.
How do you express your creativity? Even if you don’t feel artsy or crafty, there are really so many ways to get out of your way and into your more expressive side. Maybe try painting. What about free-form writing? Baking could be fun. Do you like editing film or photography? Calligraphy seems like it could be soothing. Do you want to start a book club? Really, the possibilities are endless. You just have to get started.
Being in a funk is part of life. We have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and learn the ways in which we personally need to get through it.
You’re never alone in your feelings. We’re all part of this thing called life.
Reach out to someone you can lean on, open up, and then try one of the four options here to really find your peace.
Be well, friends.
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