We’ve all been there. You feel sluggish, unmotivated and bland, and you have no idea why. Chances are, you’re in the midst of a funk, and while being in a funk is a truly challenging experience, it is certainly not permanent.
1. Prior to determining how to remove yourself from a funk, it is important to determine the main reason why you’re in a funk. Like any conflict, it proves difficult to resolve a funk if you’re unsure as to why it occurred in the first place. Try your best to take a step back and ponder what it is that could potentially be influencing your mood. Is it your job? School? Relationships with family, friends or a partner? Money? Regardless of the root of the issue, acknowledging the initial cause of your funk is the best way to get out of one.
Once you determine why you are in a funk, you can figure out some strategies that work best for you personally, so you can return to a more pleasant state of mind and feel like yourself again.
2. Improving your sleep schedule is one of the most important habits to adhere to when getting out of a funk. If you’re feeling sleepy regardless of how much sleep you get, consider adjusting when you choose to sleep. Be sure to hit the hay no later than 11 PM. and try your best to wake up between 7 AM and 8 AM. Encouraging your body to become familiar with a regular sleep schedule is an effective way to restore your bodily rhythms and will make a tremendous difference in your energy levels over time.
3. Exercise is also an excellent way to get yourself out of a funk. Both cardio and strength training have the ability to release endorphins in your body which encourage feelings of positivity, and they are also great ways to restore your energy levels. If you enjoy the outdoors, consider walking or running along your local nature trail. Fresh air makes a world of difference in terms of how you’re feeling, and being surrounded by lush, green nature can arguably elevate your mood.
4. Eating habits also play a large role in your overall mood. If you often find yourself ordering fast food and takeout because it’s easier, perhaps you should consider experimenting with some home-cooked meals rich with vegetables, proteins, and healthy starches instead. Your body absorbs the nutrients found in food when you consume it, therefore, if you’re ingesting foods that lack nutrients, you’re probably not going to feel overly energetic or content. Try switching up your eating habits for the better for a couple of weeks, and see if it makes a difference in terms of how you’re feeling. If it does, you’ve found yourself an effective means to remove yourself from a funk.
Some short-term strategies that can help combat a funk include self-love activities, for example, immersing yourself in a good book, booking a massage, running a bubble bath or spending time with friends and family. Remember, a funk is not permanent, and you can absolutely get out of one.
Featured image via Raychan on Unsplash
