4 Ways To Break Out of a Funk.

Me? I have been in a serious funk lately. I don’t know if it has to do with the weather (it might say spring on the calendar but thus far it has been anything but sunny) or a combination of things. All I know is that I am in a full-blown, non-stop, totally overwhelming, funk. Which is what inspired this post. I want to break free. I want to get out of that blah mentality. Plus, I figured there must be someone else feeling this way. So, I have decided to put some positive energy into my blog. Ready to get started? Here are 4 of the best ways to break out of a funk.

1) Face Your Problems Head On....Then Let Them Go

We all have our own way of dealing with problems. I typically try to ignore them but end up dwelling on them day after day. This causes me to have serious anxiety. Which is why this first tip to break out of a funk is so genius. The whole idea is to face your problems. Really address what they are and how they make you feel. You can write it out on paper (or in a Word document. That is what I have been doing today!) or vent to a friend. Once you have given yourself time to think, feel, and express yourself...you can start to let go. Not of the problems necessarily but of the anxiety and stress. Picture those fears floating away from your body. Take a deep breath. Then go on with your day. Chances are, you will feel a weight lifted from your shoulders.

2) Channel Your Energy Into Something Hands On

The first sign that I am dealing with a funk? I want to lay in bed and watch TV. All day every day. That makes this next de-funkifiying tip so helpful. Channel your energy into something that is hands on. It could be a creative project (like scrap booking, colouring, or a mood board) or an at home project (like organizing your closet, de-cluttering, or re-decorating). The whole idea is to do something. To fight the urge to let that funk take you over. The best part? Once you complete a project? You will feel a million times better. I recently organized my closet and felt an enormous sense of pride afterward.

3) Spend Time Around People You Care About

Have you ever heard the saying, kindness can heal? It might be a little cliche...but it is so so true. Being kind to others - or having others be kind to you - can be a healing process. Want to break free of your funk? Do what you can to give back to others. Reach out to friends who need a shoulder to cry on, do some volunteer work, or simply share a smile. You can also try to spend more time around people you love. Grab coffee with a friend. Go to dinner with your parents. Enjoy a fun activity with your co-workers. Getting out there and being social will melt away your funk in no time flat.

4) Go For a Walk (Or Run) Outside

This one is my personal favourite. And thinking of it now...it is probably why my funk has gotten so out of hand. The weather has been awful and I am itching to go for a run. Alas! The last tip on this list is to get outside. Sometimes a little fresh air is all you need to shake those negative feelings. Take twenty minutes and go for a walk around your neighbourhood. Bring along a friend or significant other or go for a solo walk. Just get outside and appreciate being in nature. While you're there? Pay attention to the cool breeze, the sunshine, and the flowers. Focus on the good things life has to offer. You can also go for a run, a bike ride, or go rollerblading. Just get out there!

So! There you have it. A few tried and tested ways to break free of a funk. Honestly, just writing this post made me feel so much better. This was definitely a positive creative outlet for me.

Share your own tips in the comment section below!

xo Shannon