We have all been there stuck, hopeless and feeling like we have no one to turn to.
Things that normally make you happy begin to bring you down and you can’t seem to understand why.
These so-called “funks” are not to be to taken lightly. Most often, it isn’t just some mood you are feeling for a couple of hours but rather, it is a current state of how your mind and thoughts are not in sync.
What really spoke to me and how I knew I was really in a funk was reading this quote:
“What’s happening here is simple. Something—be it your job, peers, or general lifestyle—is contaminating your mind. You’ve lost track of the calmness you know you possess and it’s like your mind’s been tricked.”
If you have ever felt this way, then you are most defiantly in a funk. If you really want a definition of being in a state of a funk, it can be a mood that is characterized by the lack of motivation, grumpiness and general malaise. Although it’s usually less serious than depression or anxiety, it can last for weeks or months if you don’t try to get rid of it.
Ways to really get out of a funk can vary from person to person but here are some general tips to help.
- Make time for yourself and ONLY for yourself. Take a day off to do things that are important to you.
- Re arranging your house or room can help by giving you a sense of a new space. Even little changes like this can be an impact of your daily views.
- Make a change in your environment. Move to a new area or get some sun, lack of Vitamin D may result in mild depression, which is sometimes related to the changing seasons.
- Ever heard of Feng shui?
- Nature. One of the best remedies for any type of problem you have, it can all be solved by a simple walk or hike. Getting back or in tune with nature really can open your mind and bring you back to reality.
- I can’t even stress enough how important meditation is to your personal growth. It is life changing and all you need is five minutes.
- Balance. Learn how to keep work at work and how to control all your responsibilities. The best way to do that is to keep a planner and stick to it.
- Talk to a trusted friend or even a professional, there is no shame in seeking help.
- Do not procrastinate, I think everyone is guilty of this but the less you procrastinate the less you stress. Putting off things can lead to full on meltdowns, which result in less motivation.
- Make some physical changes, pick up a sport or activity you have wanted to do lately and master it.
- Detach yourself from the world, as hard as that sounds. Check social media less frequently so you won't be able to compare yourself to others who promote their “perfect” life.
- One big thing to avoid is excessive drinking or drug use. Alcohol is a depressant and will leave you feeling sad or unmotivated, as do drugs. Try going dry for a few weeks.
- Treat yourself, may it be a manicure or a spa day. If you can't afford professionals for treatments there is plenty of DIY activities that can be just as relaxing.
- Most importantly, you have to remember your body is a temple and that whatever you put in comes out. Treat your body with care, avoid unhealthy foods and pick up some new healthy habits. It will not only improve physical components but mental too.
One negative aspect of being a funk is that you tend to think it’s your fault or you will never be able to get out of this situation. But in reality, life will never stop throwing you curve balls. The only solution is to change how you internalize and deal with them. You have to realize that the only way you can escape this is time and determination. Once you grasp that, you will be unstoppable.
“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.” -Lao Tzu
