5 Ways to Get Out of a Funk.
Have you ever felt like you’re in a “funk?” Maybe you feel stuck, or aimless… or like something is just “off.” It’s possible get un-stuck, and get yourself out of a funk! You’re NOT stuck here! In this article, I’m unpacking WHY you might be feeling like this, and sharing 5 ways to get out of a funk.
Sometimes, I feel like I’m in a “funk.” For me, it usually starts after I finish a big project. I feel aimless. Scratch around the kitchen for a snack. Dig around my craft stash looking for a new project… and then… I start scrolling Pinterest or binging on Netflix. 😬
Now: it’s totally normal to need a re-set, to take some time off, and to rest! But: if you’re not careful it can turn into days (or weeks!) of feeling stuck. Here’s how to tell if you’re in a funk:
A “Re-Set” energizes you:
You’re ready to go back to life as usual — feeling rested and ready to conquer. You’re excited about life, and all the possibilities of what’s next!
Feeling “Stuck” drains you.
After a day or two or rest, you don’t feel contented, energized, or happy… You’re still feeling tired, bored, and AIMLESS.
👇🏻 Here are a few things that that can trigger a funk:👇🏻
The Creative Process:
As a super-creative person, working on a new project can be like a sugar high. 😂 I will joyfully work on the thing I'm excited about... and when it's over, a creative "low" hits. This is just a part of the creative process! After a big goal or project has been achieved, it’s normal to hit a “Now What?” phase.
A Shift in Goals/Vision:
Your goals or vision for your future don’t stay the same forever! (If they did, your childhood dream of being a unicorn would still be a #1 goal! 😂 And, if it IS still a #1 goal… we need to hang out.) It’s okay to experience a shift in your vision or goals for the future! This is a great time to step back and do a vision-casting exercise.
Your Internal Dialogue:
How do you talk to yourself? If you’re not sure how to answer that question… walk past a mirror, and notice the thoughts that pop into your head. Having a poor mindset, lacking confidence, or playing the comparison game will leave you in a funk — every. single. time. (Want to learn more about your mindset? Click here!)
Other People’s Opinions:
Has someone ever said something hurtful, and you were left feeling awful? Or maybe someone said something that’s not true, but — you believed it anyway. Other people’s words can HURT (like hell!), and stop you dead in your tracks. Click here to learn how to fight those lies!
Now: I have spent a LOT of time learning how to get un-stuck, and how to start living intentionally. I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t… and a lot of tips and tricks that help. Ready for the good stuff?
5 ways to Get out of a Funk:
Reconnect to your Vision
Do you know where you’re going, and what your goals are? If you’ve lost sight of the vision… or you don’t have a clear vision… it’s time to find some clarity! Learn how to define (or re-define!) your vision here.
Re-define your “Why”.
WHY are you doing all the things you’re doing? Your “Why” is the thing that keeps you going when the going gets tough! If you’re not sure about your why, figuring it out is super-easy: Just grab a piece of paper, and ask yourself “Why am I doing ___?” Write down the first thing that pops into your mind, and keep asking the same question until you get to the ROOT! (It usually takes around 3-5 times.)
Give yourself a Break.
There's something to be said for allowing time to rest and reset! 💃🏻 Whether you just hit a big goal, or you’re feeling super-tired... let yourself take a break. Take the afternoon (or the weekend) off! BUT... give yourself a time-limit. Don't let the afternoon off turn into a three day Netflix binge.
Do Something Else!
If you’re feeling stuck in one area of your life, look for growth or movement in another area! This can be as simple as getting a shower, or doing a workout. Switching to something that can give you a quick “win” can shift your mindset from feeling stuck to feeling creative. Try a short burst of exercise, go for a drive, or clean something!
Get off Technology.
I have found that scrolling for "ideas" usually leaves me feeing STUCK instead energized. A few pins on Pinterest or Instagram stories are fine... but don't let yourself get sucked into technology! If you start scrolling to get out of a funk — only to realize that you’ve wasted a few hours — you’re going to feel MORE funky. Set a timer on your phone, and when it beeps, put your phone down!
Here are a few more helpful tips:
Try the 5-second rule:
This is an awesome idea from Mel Robbins. It’s a simple concept: If you know you should do something, you need to physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill the idea. Need to get yourself out of a Funk? Pick one of the 5 things listed above, count down from 5, and JUST. DO. IT.Do the Next. Right. Thing:
And… all the girl-moms just sighed, because now that Frozen 2 song is stuck in your head, isn’t it? Sorry, not sorry. 😂 My Pop-pop used to say “When you don’t know what to do, just do the Next. Thing.” (long before Anna ever sung about it!) It’s not about if you “feel like it” or not… just get up and do something.Make a MASTER List:
When you’re in a funk, it seems like all the times you've said, "I want to do _____ when I have time!" somehow magically erase from your brain. There's a lot of power in having a Master List. The next time you think of something you want/need to do… add it to a note in your phone, or create a “Master List” in your planner. And the next time you’re looking for something to do, you’ll have a great head-start! ☺️
More than anything, I want you to know that you can get OUT of this funk! Leave a comment below and tell me:
What step forward are you going to take?
(And… Five, Four, Three, Two, ONE, GO!!! )
