How To Get Out of a Funk
Everyone gets into a funk sometimes. Life is designed to have peaks and valleys – the key is to recognize when you’re on a downward trend and to pursue things that help you to change your mindset, improve your attitude and operate at your best again. Here’s how:
There are three reasons why you can get into a funk:
- Negative Self-Talk
How you talk to yourself has a huge impact on how you feel. After all, the majority of the communications you have are with yourself! If you’re constantly self-critical, you’ll inevitably experience a dip in mood.
- Isolation
Other people might be difficult to deal with sometimes, but they’re also the greatest thing in life. We’re designed to be in relationships so when we’re forced to isolate and be alone, as has happened over the past year, it’s no wonder we start to feel down.
- Poor Intake
When people are isolated they can get consumed by social media, where the news cycle can be toxic and draining. This cycle of negativity can lead straight to a slump.
It isn’t always possible to get out of a funk quickly, so you have to learn how to navigate through:
- Speak to Yourself Kindly
Poor self-talk breeds poor self-esteem, so speak to yourself with kindness, celebrate your wins and remember that it takes grit to be relentlessly positive. As Brené Brown says, “Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.”
- Understand the Difference Between Isolation and Solitude
Henry Cloud once said, “There is a difference between solitude and isolation. One is connected and one isn’t. Solitude replenishes, isolation diminishes.” It can be restful and restorative to be spend some time alone but, at the end of the day, we all need people. We do better together than apart, so reach out and connect with others.
- Go Back to the Fundamentals
The greatest way to get out of a funk is to grow. When you’re low in mood, go back to the fundamentals of personal growth and development. Why not take a deep dive into some of the classics such as, “As a Man Thinketh,” “The Strangest Secret,” and “Think and Grow Rich.”
There are three steps you can take to get out of a funk for good:
- Take Care of Yourself
If you want to improve your mood, get back to basics with a healthy diet, regular exercise and good sleep patterns. The most important relationship you have is with yourself, so take the time and make the commitment to invest in and care for yourself.
- Look Beyond Yourself
One of the most life-giving things in this world is to serve somebody else. As the saying goes, it’s impossible to shine a light on someone else’s path without lighting your own. Focus on serving and helping others and you will help yourself in turn.
- Put the Good Stuff Into Your Head and Your Heart
What are you listening to? What are you watching? What are you reading? Consume quality content that uplifts, informs and educates – doing this is a powerful way to show yourself some love. “It’s a Good Life” is great place to start!
We all have highs and lows in life – it just shows we’re human! To learn more about getting out of a funk, listen to the latest episode of “It’s a Good Life.”
