Investing in Yourself: Get Out of Your Funk
Normally, I'm pretty much a go-with-the-flow type of gal and usually happy and content. However, I recently found myself in a bad mood; a funk, if you will. I'd like to say I was only in this state for a few hours or less, but, truth be told, I managed to retain the foul and grumpy mood for a few days.
Most of us will experience these trips to Bad Mood Canyon from time to time. It's life. It happens. If you have five minutes to spare, here are some quick-to-implement ideas that might help make your return trip back to Normal a bit smoother, easier and faster.
The Good List
You may recall from a previous post that I have a fondness for lists. Not only can they help put just about anything in perspective and help you feel less overwhelmed, I also believe they can help one get out of a bad mood. Here's how: take five minutes, get to a quiet spot and write down those things in your life right now that are good.
Whatever is going on in your life probably has contributed at least somewhat to your bad mood. It's totally possible that you feel there is nothing going your way right now. Taking some time to re-focus on what is positive in your life can help put things in a positive light, and it can help remind you that not everything in your life is plotting against you.
Vent it Out
So the world's got you down? Reach out to a friend and vent (though you might extend them the courtesy of a warning regarding your intended venting when you get in touch with them). My last bout with downcast mood had a significant turning point when I found myself freely admitting to a close family member that I was grumpy. Yep, I said it just like that: "I'm really grumpy." Finding someone who's willing to listen might just help you get through your grumpiness faster.
Simply Recharge
Another way you can get out of the funk is to seek out a five-minute (or more, if you can) mini-escape. Retreat to a quiet place that is a favorite of yours, a place that lends a certain serenity to your life. Do your best to leave the rest of the world behind for a few moments, and really focus on your surroundings and appreciate them. Take a few more minutes to pray or read or just close your eyes and bask in nothingness. The whole point of this exercise is to come back to your role as mom, wife and center of the family refreshed with a lighter mood.
The Stand
Foul moods have a tendency to feed off themselves. Make it a point to firmly say to yourself: "Life's too short for this. I'm done with this mood. I'm moving on." That may sound a little corny, but it can be surprisngly effective. If the mood has you stumbling around and is affecting the normal harmony and ebb and flow of your life and those in it, it's time to put an end to it.
Bad moods strike us all. The next time you find yourself in that haze, take a few minutes to bring yourself back to an even keel.
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Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter wrote:
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 18:05 Comment #: 1I too was in a funk recently. I think I was overwhelmed with my to do list and the feeling of not keeping up. I just wanted to run away. So to fix the issue, I took a break for a few days. Let myself rest. Then I went though the list and set priorities and a manageable schedule. I have been much better since.
Miss T @ Prairie Eco-Thrifter wrote:
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 18:06 Comment #: 2PS: I really like your idea about writing down what is good in our lives. Far to often do we forget about this.
retirebyforty wrote:
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 13:33 Comment #: 3I had to take a few days off last month as well. There are way too many things to do and sometime it can get overwhelming. Life is just too busy these days.
kathyr wrote:
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 14:54 Comment #: 4What a great article, and just what I needed to read today!! I too am in a bit of a funk!!
Paula @ AffordAnything.org wrote:
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 16:13 Comment #: 5It's easy to get into a funk from time to time ... I'm a huge fan of both venting and just dropping whatever I'm doing to go do something fun.
Exercise is also a great way to elevate your mood. I have to resist the urge to lounge in my pajamas, eat cupcakes and watch TV, which I think will elevate my mood but really will only make me feel worse. It's far better to hit the gym, go to a yoga class ... and THEN have a cupcake :-)
Jackie wrote:
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 22:37 Comment #: 6I really like these tips. I will have to try these the next time I find myself heading into a grumpy mood. Which does happen 2 or 3 times a month. More if I feel really tense and stressed.
Oral-B Rebate & Mega Roundup wrote:
Sun, 08/14/2011 - 06:53 Comment #: 7[...] Mom Vesting – Investing in Yourself: Get Out of Your Funk. [...]