3 Ways to Lift Yourself Out of a FUNK
The truth is – life kinda sucks when you’re down and out. And these days, it seems a lot of people out there are feelin’ stressed, worried and confused.
Things are tough. People out there are struggling with their finances – many of who are working too much with little to no time or money to enjoy life. As a whole, there are concerns about our health, safety, and overall well-being.
When you take a step back and look at all of this, it can definitely explain why so many people are in a funk. Maybe you’re one of them – and if so, you might be wondering if there’s anything you can do to feel better.
The good news is, you can lift yourself out of a funk. I’ll share 3 ways you can start feeling (at least a little) better without compromising your health or your integrity.
3 Ways to Lift Yourself Out of a FUNK
1 – Choose self-awareness
When you feel like the worldβs against you, itβs easy to want to escape.
Sometimes, that works, but ONLY if you use it to create a little distance for you to stop ruminating. Otherwise, you’ll keep running, but you’ll NEVER outrun your problems – or yourself. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “everywhere you go, there you are.” If you haven’t, well, now you have.
Being in a funk is actually a way to get to know whatβs going on inside of you. Itβs an opportunity to examine your inner-world. #selfawareness #emotionalintelligenceClick To TweetMaybe you need to investigate some of your current belief systems that no longer work in your favor. Or, perhaps it’s just time to make some changes in your life.
Your best bet is to temporarily suspend your feelings of emotional turbulence and become an observer – of YOURSELF and your relationship with your life. Get curious about why you feel the way you do and make a promise to yourself to take charge of your circumstances with the heart of a peaceful warrior.
Believe it or not, there’s a sense of comfort from going within. The REAL you – NOT the personality is a light that shines within. Make wisdom your ultimate goal and you’ll find at least a smidgen of inner-peace. The kind that comes with being in alignment with yourself – even if THINGS don’t change for you right away.
2 – Choose well-being
You’ve probably heard people say that when they feel bad, stressed, or anxious, they went for a walk, a run, or went to the gym and felt better afterward.
That’s worked for me as well, but I also find that doing something that involves healthy living always lifts my spirits – even if it’s temporary.
Engaging in activities that promote strength, flexibility, and overall well-being, you feel empowered. When you take charge of something (and it isn’t at the expense of yourself or others), you are capable of shifting your perspective – which may make your problems seem a little less like obstacles and – more like projects.
Life is filled with things you can't always control - so when you CAN take control of something in a healthy and positive way, do it. Even if it's for a short while. #personalresponsibility #iammyimaginationClick To TweetSo take the yoga class, make the green smoothie, listen to the Rocky theme song (which happens to be my ringtone) and choose activities that declare your intention to show yourself some dignity and respect in the face of adversity.
3 – Choose creativity
When I’m down and out, doing something artistic or creative always makes me feel better. And I’m not the only one.
In fact, you’ve probably heard many hit songs that stemmed from the broken hearts of the artists who wrote them.
This isn’t necessarily the time to try to perfect anything, and you don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on yourself or create unrealistic expectations of the outcome.
Just allow yourself to play. Watch videos of people doing things like painting on canvas, dancing, or giving guitar lessons. Or grab a journal or notepad and just start writing something, even if it’s your feelings.
Find a (healthy) hobby. Use it as an outlet and allow yourself to be a beginner if that’s what you are.
Just do something fun to take your mind off things for a while. You never know where this may lead you – but you have to make the first move.
Being in a funk feels lousy – and if you need professional help, then get it if you can.
But you can still take charge of your perspective by doing things that promote well-being, creativity, and personal empowerment – even in small ways.
If you’re in a funk, try these ideas out.
I don’t share them lightly. I’ve been in a funk plenty of times in my life and when I am, I utilize the exact techniques I discussed here. They help, even if the relief is temporary.
So try them out and let me know how it goes.
Ravi sharma says
Amazing Dana
300 books you have read. can you share some of them which are best for my. I am a web content writer. I want to read books on daily basis. but most of books are too costly and I am not able to purchase them so can you tell some sources where I can get cheap books.
I want to make reading habits to boost up my writing and english because i am not native english speaker.
Hope you would.
Dana says
Hi Ravi,
I would suggest your library & check out local garage sales, thrift stores & used book stores.
I know books can cost a lot, which is why I subscribe to Kindle Unlimited. It runs about $10 per month, but for me, it’s well worth it. You can try it for free for 30 days (that’s how I got hooked) π
Reading Deals is another great resource. I’ve gotten free books from them.
https://readingdeals.com/
I’ve been reading fiction for the most part, but successful writers of any kind will tell you they read a lot in general.
Hope that helps. Thanks for stopping by!
Neeraj Sharma says
Thanks Dana for your kind suggestions and resources.
Dana says
My pleasure. π
Neeraj Sharma says
Yes it quite best post. Above all points help to make us a better person. Creativity and self awareness are best way to move on the routine life works. one point you should add this article which is reading books. Reading books also help us to understand the world better than anything else.
such posts are really great to make me interest to read.
Dana says
Hi Neeraj,
Glad you enjoyed this π
Yes, reading is excellent! I’ve been on a fiction kick for a while (which can still offer perspective and valuable information), but I’ve read over 300 books in the last 3 years. It really does help lift you out of a funk, even if temporarily.
Thanks for stopping by.
Stanley Poter says
Such a nice post. It’s very helpful to me. Iβve been in funks over the years and the best way for me to get out of them is to get busy or go for a long walk. Love your post as always and am passing it along.
Thank you so much…
Dana says
Hi Stanley,
I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I love walking. It really is a great way to lighten things up and quiet the mind. Great for the body too.
Thanks for stopping by & passing this along π
Lisa Sicard says
Hi Dana, I had no idea you had written a book never mind 2! Wow, loved your title and came by after reading Brenda’s latest post. I’ve been in funks over the years and the best way for me to get out of them is to get busy or go for a long walk. Rainy days can really put me in a funk and we’ve had plenty of them lately.
I like your idea to get creative too. That’s another great way to pick yourself up.
Happy to see what you have been up to girl! Love the look of your website too π Have a great new week.
Dana says
Hi Lisa,
Glad you liked the post.
When I’m down, my husband sometimes says “it doesn’t rain every day” – and while he means it metaphorically, several actual rainy days can be depressing. I hope the clouds break and you get some sunshine soon.
Walks are great. I used to LOVE my walks on the beach (when I lived there). Creativity is always a great distraction – and it just makes you feel productive. Sometimes it’s the funk itself that inspires creativity – and it’s priceless when that happens.
I loved Bren’s latest post. She’s been a great friend.
I appreciate the kind words about the books. #5 was published earlier this year π
Thanks for stopping by!
Moss Clement says
Hi Dana,
I followed you here from Cori Ramo ‘Jehovah blog after reading your comments. However, your article is great and the tips are valuable. Well being works well for me. I like to take a walk when l’m feeling down, it enables me get back my groove.
Dana says
Hey Moss,
Glad you found your way over here π
I love Cori’s blog.
Yep, anything wellness related helps me when I’m down and out. It’s just a way to take some sort of positive action in the face of adversity. I agree that walking helps. I enjoy it immensely.
Thanks for stopping by!
Bren Pace says
Hey Dana,
Such a great post! I know many who get in a funk and can’t get out. I used to be one that could generally pull myself out until lately. I get in a funk and no matter what techniques that used to get me out, no longer do. Maybe we need to find other ways when the others go stale? I hate the funk and am even more miserable when I find myself there. One of the best ways for me is to sit on my back deck with my pups and stare into the trees. If it’s too cold, any place where I can just “be” with my dogs helps. It may not cure the funk but will ease it.
Love your post as always and am passing it along.
B
Dana says
Hey Bren,
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this.
Yep, even just taking some quiet time either by yourself or with those you love can work wonders. I’ve been in lousy moods before and still experienced moments of bliss in the beauty of my surroundings. It didn’t solve the problems, but it did add some light & provided me with gratitude.
I can imagine sitting on your deck with your dogs, staring at the trees and at least feeling some peace. I’m glad you have that. I’d enjoy it too π
Thanks for passing this along.