5 Ways to Get Out of a Funk
Don’t you hate getting into a funk you just can’t shake?
by Rebecca Clio Gould
Do You Find It Hard to Get Out of a Funk?
Lately, I have been feeling a bit funky, and not the good kind of funk; the bad kind of funk. The stuck-in-a-rut type of funk. The uncomfortable type of “I just feel blah” type of funk.
This happens from time to time, and I might know why. Sometimes, something very specific has happened to trigger negative emotions or wipe me out energetically. But sometimes I cannot pinpoint one thing in particular that is making me feel so out of whack. And this is one of those times. Perhaps it’s the collective consciousness. It could be the politics, the change of the season, or something I ate. I am a sensitive soul. Can you relate?
I’ve had to learn all sorts of tips and tricks for snapping me out of it, for pulling myself out of that funk and moving through the yuck to the yum. But sometimes the hardest thing to do when you’re in a funk is to simply take the action you know will help you. Am I right? I can promise you, though, by the time you read this, I will have taken my own advice.
The following methods have helped me in my darkest hours, and are also great for when all is well. I hope they help you, too:
1. Feel your feelings. All of them.
You know what they say? The only way out is through…. When you’re feeling emotionally icky, it’s essential to feel into the depths of your sadness, anger, frustration, fear, or shame, to cry your tears, to yell and scream (not at others, but in a private and safe space), and to let yourself simply feel like crap for a bit if that’s how you feel. Know everything is going to be ok, already is ok, and about to get even better, one way or the other. Feel your feelings, and keep on breathing.
2. Commit to starting your day off right.
Did you know that spending ten minutes, or even just a few minutes, in the morning to think about who and what you love, to envision your goals, to think about what’s good, what you’re grateful for, can set you up for an awesome day? Trust me. This works. When you first wake up, before getting out of bed, give yourself several minutes for focusing only on all the yummy, juicy, goodness in your life. Can’t think of anything? Keep it simple. Notice the warmth of your bed. Notice that you have a bed. Since the human brain has a tendency to focus more on the negative, we must retrain it with techniques such as this, to redirect our attention and mindset to focus more on what’s good, to remember what’s good. So go ahead and try it!
3. Morning pages.
This suggestion comes from Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way. Here’s what you do: First thing in the morning, WRITE–by hand, in a notebook, for three pages, non-stop. Write before you are awake enough to really think or censor yourself; just let it flow. Write honestly about how you feel, what your stories are, what your fears are, what your truths are, what your questions are. Be open to the answers coming through. Ask for them to come through. Then listen as you continue to write. You just might write yourself out of that rut or bad mood!
4. Move it or lose it.
Exercise. Dance. Run. Hike. Whatever gets your heart rate up. Just get moving. Break up the stagnation. Move the energy and emotions through you. If you’re feeling physically depressed, it might be hard to get started, but as soon as you do start moving and breathing and sweating, you’re going to feel better. Even if only in the moment.
5. Be in the moment.
Speaking of the moment, yes, be in it. Be in the present moment. Distract yourself from any nagging or tape loop thoughts about the past or the future by being fully present with what’s happening in this moment, with what’s right in front of you. I mean that: look at what’s right in front of you. Look at an object in front of you. Focus on it, and if possible, pick it up. Look at it closely. Allow yourself to be mesmerized by it. Take in every detail. If you’re touching it, feel how it feels. Be here now, and delight in the simplicity. Relax into the peace of presence.
You will also enjoy 8 Ways to Be Super Productive
About the Author
Rebecca Clio Gould is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Qigong and Meditation Teacher, Sexual Awakening for Women Facilitator, and Author of “The Multi-Orgasmic Diet.” She’s on a mission to help women live healthier lives, step into their power, love themselves more, experience more joy, and live life to the fullest-emotionally, physically, and sexually. Rebecca is a graduate of the Heartwood Institute and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been running her own business, Elemental Harmony, PLLC since 2007, and lives in Seattle, Washington. See more at http://www.rebeccacliogould.com
