49 Days | Tips to Get Out of a Funk

Are You in a Funk?  Not sure what a funk is?  Definition of a funk: lack of motivation and low energy

When we're in a funk, we often feel grumpy and disengaged from life in general. We may become lethargic during these periods. Motivation is in such low gear that it becomes barely noticeable. It's not like spinning our wheels going nowhere, our wheels actually become locked in place. 

Maybe you allow yourself to indulge in my funk for a day or two. Who doesn't love an occasional pity party? But, if the pity party and indulgence last beyond that time period, it might be time for concern.  

So, how do we turn the corner? 

Persistent bad moods can absolutely lead to health problems. We need to seek out some healthy outlets for releasing depressive thoughts and squelching lack-luster activities.

Of course we want to do things like pray and fill our minds with truth...but what are some other action steps that counter our funk?  I'd love for you to add to this list in the comments section.  Here are some thoughts I had or found as I was looking for my own answers:

Healthy Ways to Get Yourself out of a Funk

1. Go for a walk - I'm not talking about a marathon here. If you can only manage a walk around the block you'll be better for it. Be sure to take in some deep breaths while you're outside to clear your lungs.
2. Do a Random Act of Kindness - Stop feeling sorry for yourself and make someone else's day special. Afterwards, you will both feel better.
3. Clear out clutter - One of the quickest ways to generate new and fresh energy moving into my space is to clear away stagnant energies by throwing out useless materials. Tossing out trash may seem like work, but it is totally energizing once you get the hang of it.
4. Try a new recipe - We all get in ruts eating and preparing the same foods again and again. Maybe you won't like it... so what?! Where's your adventuresome spirit? The whole idea is to get you out of a funk, right?
5. Volunteer at a food pantry - Put yourself in a position of service to those who are less fortunate than you are. Your own worries will seem less troubling when you see firsthand the plight of others.
6. Experience God's creation - Spending time with nature is a great way to feel better. Put on your hiking boots and get lost for a couple hours near a babbling brook. 
7. Change your bed sheets - When is the last time you changed your linens anyway? If you let your routine weekly sheet change slip by then you're certainly in FUNK territory. Crisp, clean, and colorful bed linens to curl up inside at bedtime will offer comfort when you most need it.
8. Go see a funny movie - Forgo the tear-jerkers and dramas at the theater this time around. You need a good belly-laugh to break that funk, so viewing a comedy is your best bet. Invite a friend to go along with you and see who laughs the hardest/longest.
9. Spend quality time with a child - Don't have your own children? Take your niece/nephew or a neighbor's child out on a special outing, even just playtime at a nearby park. Children love it when adults give them special attention. Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of not only bringing about a joyful smile on a child's face, you'll be smiling too!
10. Pamper yourself - Do whatever it is that brings you the most joy. It might be indulging in a bubble bath, reading a favorite book, or breaking out of your routine to go roller skating--crazy, I know! Don't tell yourself that you don't deserve it. BECAUSE YOU DO!

So...add to the list.  This is just a lame start, honestly.  There are so many things we can do to enjoy our present reality!  (Even a reality that is calling for a foot of snow over the next 24 hours!)