Sunday, April 17, 2011

Getting you out of your funk

Feeling a bit down in the dumps? Ever stopped to ask yourself why? I mean I’m sure you know how you’re feeling, but why are you feeling that way? Where did it come from? How can you turn things around?

Here are some things to consider:

1. What are you listening to? Music on your iPod? Comments from people around you? What about when you talk to yourself? Is it positive or negative? Is it happy or sad? What kind of mood is created? Really think about it. What’s the playlist you hear every day? How would things change if you had a new filter?

2. What is your environment like? Is there stuff all over the place? Is everything disorganized and scattered? What about light? Are you always hiding out in the dark or do you take time to step into the light?

3. Do you believe you deserve to be happy? Not that it’s owed to you but that you have the ability to change your direction.

4. Are you using both sides of your brain? You keep stressing about what should happen, but ignoring who you choose to be. Is your approach coming from a place of anger? Have you decided that it's best to do nothing? How accountable are you for your actions? How much are you using your strength?

5. When is the last time you switched some things up? Sometimes we get caught in a pattern. We get used to the way it was done. But maybe that time has passed. Maybe it’s time to start spicing things up. If you’re not sure how, reach out to people. Make some calls. Jump on some forums. Find out what kind of options are out there. Pay attention to things that you’re drawn to. Don’t be afraid to step out on a limb.

6. How are you moving your body? Are you stretching in the morning? Are you getting out in the afternoon? Maybe there’s a class in your area? Maybe you can walk instead of driving your car? Don’t think of it as exercise, but as a way to connect with your body.

7. Are you watching what you eat? I don’t mean starving yourself, but eating food that will help you stay balanced. Sometimes when we're down, we don’t eat at all or we find ourselves eating too much. Where are you falling right now? Maybe it's not food that's the problem, but the fact that there's so much to do. Try preparing your meals for the week. Sign up for a cooking class. I've found a few great ones for free as well as some great blogs with healthy new recipes. For added fun, try throwing a cooking party. Invite over a few of your friends. They may even have some ideas.

8. If you are hearing negative comments, consider how you feel about them. Is there any part of it that is valid (any part that you may agree with)? If so, how can you make it constructive? How can you make self improvements? How can you get a little extra support? There are a lot of great options out there – from hiring a coach, to online support groups, to classes that teach a new skill. Maybe it’s time to think out of the box. If, on the other hand, none of it's valid, try not to step away from yourself. Be authentic. Find ways to inject a little humor. Keep reflecting the greatness of you ;)

9. Is there something that you’re holding on to? Maybe you’re afraid of moving forward. Maybe you’re afraid of confronting your past. Even when it was something you hated; it’ll always be something you know. Moving forward is a whole new uncertainty. Try talking it out. Be honest about what you'll miss. Be remember: You don't have to let everything go.

10. Have you ever tried watching your language? Instead of: I know I can, but… I want to, but… I think I’ll be good at it, but… Try leaving the buts at the door. As Stevie (Wonder) once said, "When you're moving into positive, your destination is the brightest star".

11. Are you being too hard on yourself? What else is going on in your life? Maybe it's time to rework your agenda. If you're sick and supposed to be healing, you just may be a bit less productive. Take your time. Ease on down the road. Give yourself a chance to bounce back.

12. Consider if it's time to get help. Sometimes it's hard to get out of our funk. But sometimes it's more than just that. At times we need extra support. If it's hard to pinpoint what's happening, don't be afraid to reach out. Find a friend who you trust. Consider working with a coach. However, if you're really feeling broken inside, maybe it's time for a therapist. No matter what, you don't have to do it alone. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

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