You’ve been there. I’ve been there. Life can be really stressful and frustrating at times. We are all human, and it’s ok to have a few bad days.
What’s not ok is letting what’s bothering us continuously get the best of us.
Recently, I was in one of those ruts. I mean hi, anytime my foodie self has no interest in being in the kitchen and am ok with living on smoothies – please check my temperature. I was in a seemingly endless state of blah where I didn’t have much interest in what was going on around me, and I was just going through the motions. What was perhaps the most frustrating about this rut was that for most of it I couldn’t figure out why. Nothing bad “happened.” I was just in a funk. In reality, I was experiencing a classic millennial combination of burnout, self-doubt and lack of fulfillment.
That ish is real. And it feels awful. I know you’re picking up what I’m throwing down.
I’m happy to say I was able to take a few small steps toward feeling like my usual self again. A little more sass than Pollyanna, but far from a Debbie Downer. So here it goes my fellow quarter-life crisis peeps. My three tips for working through an epic funk.
- Upgrade your environment. – Ok so we all can’t have the picture-perfect living spaces we see on Pinterest, but if you’re in a funk the best thing you can do is be present in an inspiring space. I was feeling super meh about the blog and work at my full-time job so I gave both of my working spaces a makeover. I essentially deconstructed my cubicle, hanging pretty fabrics and pictures, putting fake peonies on my desk and treating myself to a few new rolls of washi tape (the addiction is real), pens and an assortment of pretty office supplies. I did a similar makeover for my office space at home and instantly felt inspired and rejuvenated. I totally get if washi tape and peonies aren’t your thang, but by all means get a few new pillows to help you sleep better, hang up some pictures of your loved ones or just spend some time de-cluttering. A happy space can do wonders for creating a happy mind.
- Get off social media. – !!!!!!! All of the exclamation points. You guys, this one is huge. I was measuring my own self-worth, happiness and mental well-being with how many Instagram likes, Facebook shares and blog comments I was getting. Don’t even do that. Also, when have you ever – ever ever ever been in a bad mood then got on Facebook and felt BETTER. Tell me a time that happened (that wasn’t your birthday). Don’t worry, I’ll wait. Let me take a step back. Social media can be an incredible place to join supportive communities of like-minded people that can encourage and uplift you. However, nine times out of 10 if you’re already feeling down, seeing everyone else’s highlight reels via social media is a sure-fire way to invite in dreaded FOMO and feel even worse about what you’re going through. Just don’t do it. Spend some time outdoors, read a book, get a workout in or call a friend. You are so much more than how many likes, comments or interactions you get <3
- Break it down. – I know there have been times where there is a big problem truly bothering me. Instead of trying to fix it all at once, I like breaking it down into smaller scenarios. Use the five why’s to get to the root of the issue. Smaller problems are 1000x easier to solve than giant ones. Baby steps friends, baby steps.
Talk to me:
- What makes you feel better when you’re in a funk? I’d love to hear your tips as well!
3 SOLID steps for sure! Moving around for some new scenery always helps me! It gets depressing working and looking at the same stuff every day!
Thanks so much Rebecca! I totally agree – a change in scenery always helps!
Great post! I talk to my coach, sort of cliche because I am a coach, bur it helps. I have an open, honest, trusting relationship with him so we can get to the root of my issues, set goals and come out victoriuos! So thats my tip, talk to your coach, or get a coach!
Yes, I totally agree Jen. Having coaches/trusted folks to talk to always helps!
Spending less time on social media has definitely helped me re-focus and get out of a rut! It can cause me to be pretty unproductive, so telling myself I’ll only look at it every hour (versus every…5 minutes haha) helps.
Haha same here! When my social media usage goes down, productivity magically goes up!
Great tips! I definitely notice scrolling through Insta and FB when I’m down NEVER helps me feel better. Good call on telling me to just get off of it in that case! 😉
Ain’t it the truth Liz! I love social media, but it’s definitely not the best place to go when we’re feeling down!
I think it’s because I’m 100% burned out on FB, because every time I log in, I get pissed off. I finally bit the bullet and deleted the app on my phone, it’s like a breath of fresh air.
I recently deleted the app off my phone too! It really makes all the difference.
I like to do something creative when I’m in a funk. Whether it be baking while catching up on Doctor Who, or menu planning, or giving myself space to daydream, this always seems to help clear my mind. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing Sarah – I totally agree! Being creative always makes me feel better too 🙂
Omg. been there. SOO been there. And these are such practical, simple but effective ways to get out of it. I’d add reach out to people outside your daily bubble who might add a new perspective to your routine/funk
Such a good add Georgie! Gettinng a fresh perspective and/or feeling the positivity of others works wonders <3