How to Get Out of a Funk

Sometimes you just feel unlike yourself. Maybe you feel disconnected from the people around you or you find yourself having an “off” week. Typically, we call this situation a “funk”. However, experiencing brief periods of feeling low isn’t always cause for concern.

To be human is to get into a funk from time to time. It isn’t something to be ashamed of. We all have our rough times, when we feel stuck, depressed or just discouraged. Things just feel bigger and heavier. The way funk manifests itself in our lives is subjective, but we all do experience it. Some last days, while others last weeks or even months or years.

A funk can hit you at any time. Perhaps when you least expect it. If you find yourself in a funk, the good news is your situation is only temporary. The first step to getting back to your best self is recognition. And… you’ve already made that step by visiting our page! We are here to help you take the action needed to beat your funk and see positivity return back into your life.

Here some helpful tips and guidance you can always take to get out of a funk.

Break the Routine

Every day we do things without thought. Brush our teeth, eat the same food, watch the same thing on the telly. Having a routine isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can help you stay organised and be productive.

However, exercising habitual behaviour can cut you off from feeling and put you on autopilot throughout your day. You may find yourself in a funk. We’re all guilty of sticking to a routine. But mixing it up could provide us with more than just a little excitement…

Ways to Break Your Routine

Take a different route to work: We tend to take the same way to work every day, and for good reasons; the shortest, least stressful, takes you past your favourite coffee shop. However, if you’re finding yourself in a funk, taking a different route to work is a simple way of getting you out of the same boring routine.

Cook a new recipe: Spice up your life… and food by cooking up a new recipe. Explore new ingredients. Try new flavours. Start simple and see where you go from there. You don’t have to be the best chef in the world. Cooking is an activity that should be enjoyed. Blast away your funk with the opening of a hot oven.

Take on a new hobby: We spend far too much time in this life worrying. Having a hobby allows you to take a break from your day-to-day obligations. By doing something fun, you are able to take a step back from your busy life while also having a sense of purpose. Do something that you love or have always wanted to do. Open up your mind to new ideas. The possibilities are endless.

Make a Gratitude List

When you’ve fallen into a habit of negativity it can be hard to break out of it. However, sitting down and making a list of everything that you’re grateful for really helps you to remember all the good in your life. Remember to get everything down on your list. Doesn’t matter if its big or small!

Listing what you are grateful for can have a huge impact!

If you’re struggling with writing this list, think of things as simple as having food to eat or a bed to sleep in. The objective of this list isn’t to impress people; it is to change your mindset from what is lacking in your life to what you still have that you can appreciate.

Do More of What Makes You Happy

In other words, have fun! One of the most obvious ways to happiness is to do more of what makes us happy. When you choose to do what makes you happy, you instantly build your confidence. You are telling yourself that you are worthy and deserving of happiness. And nothing motivates people more than the feeling of happiness.

Compile a list of things that make you happy. This can include such things as:

Seeing friends
Listening to your favourite song
Going to a nice restaurant
Gardening
Playing with your pet
Treating yourself to a gift

Put your happiness first and do more of what you enjoy!

Remind Yourself that Feeling Low is Normal

Occasional sadness is very much a normal part of life. Our brains have been wired to believe that we’re not supposed to feel bad, instead of knowing it’s ok not to feel our best sometimes. When you’re having a tough time, you’ll probably notice your mood reflect the challenges you’re facing. This is normal. Our feelings and emotions are supposed to change in response to our experiences, good and bad.

Your feelings are valid. Remember to remind yourself of that.

Seek Professional Help

What’s the difference between passing sadness and depression?

Most people feel sad at times. It’s a normal reaction to life’s challenges. But sometimes these feelings can stick around for a while and if left unaddressed can have severe consequences. The difference between sadness and depression is that sadness usually passes with a little time, while depression lasts much longer and can appear without any specific cause.

Symptoms of depression include:

Continuous low mood
Low self-esteem
Having no motivation
Increased fatigue
Anxiety
Changes in appetite and weight
Reduced interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

If you think you might be suffering from depression, you can get help Here.

Professionals can guide you through tough times in your life.

And… Breathe

Concentrating on deep breaths helps you to disengage from distracting thoughts and sensations. Deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body. By doing so, you are sending a message to your brain to calm down and relax. Breathe your way out of a funk and try some breathing exercises today!

“To change your life, you have to change yourself. To change yourself, you have to change your mindset.”- Anonymous

For further advice from our professional lifestyle coaches, contact us at Ceed today! 