Funk
No, I’m not talking about that weird smell coming from the very back of the refrigerator. I’m talking about my mood lately. I’ve been in a funk.
Crabby, moody, and not very nice are all probably ways my family would describe me these last couple days. It’s all well deserved and more.
I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed, and letting my emotions get the best of me. Last week, I worked two jobs, scrambled to get birthday presents/cake, volunteered at school, took Mr. B to a workout class, and tried to write a blog post or two. In between, I comforted sick kids, cleaned up after a potty training protester, ran a Twins Club meeting, and tried to finish my book club book. Oh! Did I mention that I’m trying to plan for a birthday party this weekend?
I probably did. I’m feeling scattered, and just a little down.
Reasons
I wish there was a good reason that I was in this funk, but there’s not. It just sometimes happens.
I honestly don’t mind being busy. I actually work better when I have a lot of things going on. However, I’ve been feeling a little unmotivated.
Party planning is one of my favorite things to do, and I haven’t done a thing yet. The party is Sunday, so it’s stressing me out a little. Although, not enough to get me to actually do anything.
I’m not sure if it’s the cloudy, rainy weather or what, but I’m just tired. I don’t want to do anything but sit in my bed and play spider solitaire on my laptop. Or watch TV and eat popcorn. Or sleep.
But, I keep pushing ahead. Why? Because I have to, mostly. Also, because a lot of people depend on me everyday.
How do I get out of this funk? I’m not sure, but I’m going to try a couple different things. Here are the things I do when I’m feeling not up to my usual Supermom status (totally kidding…I never feel like Supermom! Maybe Supermom’s assistant…on a good day.)
How to get out of a Funk
- Keep Moving
Even though I want to stay under the covers, I get up, get my workout clothes on, and head to the gym. I may have to push myself to get there, but once I’m in class, I feel a ton better. I get to sweat, clear my mind for an hour, and just move my body.
The gym might not be the thing for everyone, but try going for a walk or a run. Dance it out to music in your living room, or even your car. Getting physical can really get you out of your head.
- Do something therapeutic
For some, this could mean take a hot shower, get a massage, or even meditate. Whatever makes you feel good.
For me? I like to go shopping. I don’t even need to buy anything. Just wandering the aisles and looking for a good bargain is my therapy. Or, I like to sit in my pajamas and surf my favorite stores online.
- Talk it out
Tell your partner, friend, mother about your funk. Tell them you’re overwhelmed, and maybe even ask for some help.
This one is a hard one for me. I generally keep things bottled up, and then it all explodes out.
Luckily, this blog provides another outlet for me. While I may not always have someone to confide in, writing on these pages really helps me. I don’t always hit publish, but just getting the words out puts things in perspective.
- Cut something out
No, I can’t stop doing the laundry or making lunches/dinners, but I can take a little break. I let Mr. B buy hot lunch one day last week, even though I know he probably didn’t eat even half of it. I also decided not to do any laundry today, even though that means I’ll have so, so much more tomorrow.
I’ve also decided to cut down on writing this week. I have a birthday party to plan, and not much time left to do it. Something has to give or I’ll drive myself crazy.
It’s OK to say no sometimes.
If all else fails…
- Give in to it
If all else fails, wallow for a little bit. Take 10 minutes, an hour, or maybe even an entire night to just let all your feelings come out. Cry, scream, or just sleep. Give into your feelings of funkiness, and maybe it will help you feel better.
I know a good cry or a good night’s sleep really helps me when I’m not feeling my best. Don’t things usually seem better in the morning?
I hope at least one of these will help you and me. Stay tuned…
Being in a funk happens to all of us! For me working out and dancing really helps me fell better. I’m sure you will get everything completed for the party and it will be a success!!! There is always a glass of wine to make you feel better too. Hope this funk goes away soon.
Great post! I kept fighting a funk recently and then gave into it, for a few days honestly. But it helped so much. Sometimes I think acknowledging it is all we need.
Good tips – I totally agree about not wallowing in your own misery and hiding under the covers; that actually does NOT help! (At least it doesn’t help me). I need distractions, I need fun, I need to get OUT. And yes, pampering yourself helps, too – so does talking it out with your peeps 🙂
I like the last one. Sometimes you just have to give in to it. Our body is like the ocean. We have these tidal waves. Some high. Some low. And sometimes, a funk is exactly what our body needs!
I feel ya, it’s parent teacher conference time over here and everything that can go wrong has in the past week. So, I’ve been running around like a crazy person and trying to remember my name. Lists hep save my sanity.
Sounds like you need a day to just forget everything and have a little down time. That can help me get back in the groove.
If I am in a FUNK – which is pretty rare – I typically just need time by myself … Where I can either go pamper myself, or work on things that I know need accomplished, or simply just cook myself some dinner and watch some HGTV – lol!
Great advice! I really like the talking it out and doing something therapeutic. Those always help me!
The last point is an important one to remember. As much as I hate to be in a funk, sometimes we do need to just let ourselves have that moment to BE before we can move on.
This is awesome and very inspiring! I’ve kind of been in a funk since late this afternoon and this post totally made me smile and feel better! Thank you, Shann! xxx
Oh man, this I understand complely. I tend to get seasonal funks, though not this time of year–they usually come later and I have a hard time breaking out of them. Your suggestions are all fantastic. It sounds as though you are being pulled in a lot of different directions lately, so it’s no wonder you are feeling stressed. Can you find someone to help with smaller tasks so you can focus on the stuff you really enjoy (like the party planning)? Maybe even a food delivery service/takeout on nights when you just need some time for yourself?
Xoxo–am sending all my love, sweetie and wishing you lived closer!
I’ve so felt how you have been feeling. Sometimes there isn’t a reason for a funk. I love what you have suggested. Recently I read where someone suggested that you dance to one song every day – which really isn’t a bad idea – it improves your mood automatically.
We are in the middle of a complete renovation on an old farmhouse {while we live in it}, so it’s very easy for me to get into a funk! I usually let myself complain for a little while before acknowledging my negativity and choosing to change my attitude. It’s tough sometimes!
Gosh, it seems like I’m always in some kind of funk- blogging, school and/or life in general. These are great tips!
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlife.com
I’m always surprised how much exercise and moving actually helps! It’s undeniable…it works *wonders*.
Coming Up Roses
I think the last one- Simply giving it into it for a set amount of time (i.e one day or 2 hours) is important. We all need a break sometimes and that’s exactly what helps us to recharge and move forward. Great post!
I hope you’re out of your funk soon–you’ve got a party to plan 😉 Honestly, party planning is what puts me in a funk, since I don’t do well with disrupted routines or special occasions. I like your suggestions, and yes, sometimes you have to just let it out.
This happens more often than I’d like! With me I have a hard time switching hats and I get stuck sometimes.
Yes! I think everyone gets into funks and it’s completely normal. I like your tips for helping people get out of that funk.
What a coincidence, lol I am in a funk today! I think I need out of the house and a hot shower. Great list!! I will be trying some of these today, even though I want to give in and go to sleep ??
We all have our moments…very good suggestions.
Great read – I really needed this right now! Time to definitely cut some stuff that’s stressing me out 🙂
Keep moving works the best for me, even though it is toughest to get started. Great tips!
I love the idea of giving into it… it’s true sometimes you just need to let it happen to let it go
These are great tips!! I actually am FINALLY coming out of my funk…I was really struggling for awhile. I think it may be the changing weather, the shorter days. I’m not sure, but it is NO fun.
You’re right, sometimes you just have to feel all the feelings and just let it out. You always feel a little more refreshed after a good cry. Thanks for sharing! <3
Those days are long and hard. I used to keep things bottled up but have gotten a lot better at voicing how I feel. And I agree, sometimes a good cry is just what you need!
Great tips! When I am in a funk and nothing else seems to work, I agree that a GOOD nights sleep can make a huge difference!
Good post. It’s hard sometimes because you have to fight against yourself to do things sometimes. Motherhood is very demanding because so many depend on you and you don’t get sick days. https://allthelittlemoments.com
I love that you offer practical tips, but you still acknowledge that sometimes you just have to keep going and wait it out. Sleep is HUGE for me.