10 Ways to Get Yourself Out of a Funk
We all have those days – the ones where everything feels like it is just too much effort, and where we feel stuck, down and sluggish. I am prone to these moods, especially when I am tired and run down after a busy weekend gigging. Pulling yourself out of a funk can often feel like you are trying to climb out of a hole without any arms – it’s a bloody long way. However, most people find that there are some things which are particularly useful in shifting you out of that low energetic state. Here are 10 things that I often reach for when lifting myself out of a funk.
1. Get outside
If we’re honest with ourselves, it doesn’t take all that much energy to drag our sorry butts off the couch and get outside. Being in nature is one of the best ways to shift your energy – it has a magical way of putting things in perspective. It’s also the perfect time to practice grounding, a therapeutic technique that allows you to take advantage of electrical charges from the earth.
2. Meditate
You don’t have to be an established yogi to practice meditation. Meditating daily is the #1 habit you should get yourself into, and for good reason. Meditation encourages you to be present and to focus on your breath. Any troubles that you have are not problems of the now, and by meditating you recognise this. Taking the time to meditate also gives you the opportunity to check in with yourself, and allows anything to come through that is needing to arise.
3. Reach for your oils
Did you know that essential oils have the highest frequency of any naturally occurring substance? By applying essential oils to support your emotional needs, you can take advantage of their chemistry and restore or raise your frequency. Essential oils in the higher frequency ranges (like rose and frankincense oil) are great for emotional healing. They are helpful for dislodging limiting beliefs or past traumas for release. This in turn helps you feel good and lifts you out of your funk.
4. Practice gratitude
If you weren’t already aware, gratitude is THE attitude! The other day I read a statistic that said the connecting factor between the world’s most successful people is that they all seem to implement some form of regular gratitude practice. In my opinion, I think it’s all about the shift in perspective. Acknowledging what we already have instead of focusing on what we lack is an excellent way to shift your mindset.
5. Have a boogie!
Don’t laugh – I’m serious. Dancing is actually one of the most well-researched ways on shifting energy. A stagnant body creates a stagnant mind, and vice versa. Dancing is an awesome way to clear blockages in energy flow. You don’t have to be pro. You don’t even need to go to a dance class. All you need is some music to dance to and a body to move. Choose a song that makes you feel good and move your body to it. That’s really all there is to it!
6. Action 3 items on your To-Do list
Choose 3 things that are on your to-do list and just get them done! Make sure you choose things that seem manageable – the aim is not to add to your stress or feelings of overwhelm, but instead to help you feel as though you are being productive.
7. Exercise
I didn’t want to include this one because I know it’s self-explanatory but to be honest, I just couldn’t go past it. Getting out and moving your body boosts oxygen to the brain and also produces endorphins – those happy hormones that make you feel good after training. I don’t mean you have to go out and run 10 kms; any form of intentional movement will do. Take your dog for a walk, run up the stairs 10 times or head out for a yoga class.
8. Jump in the ocean
Jumping in the ocean Is one of my favourite ways to refresh. Just like you never regret a workout, you NEVER regret a swim! Many articles tout the amniotic qualities of the ocean; its similarity to being in the womb is definitely an explanation as to why the sea makes us feel so good. Open-water swimming has also been known to aid depression and anxiety, as well as reducing infections and promoting physical pain relief.
9. Call on a friend
You’re in a funk, and your best friend calls you. 9/10 times I guarantee you will get off the phone feeling lighter and brighter than before. High energy loved ones are another great tool to utilise when you are in a funk (as long as they are happy to be used and abused of course!). It is so warming to feel the unconditional love and happiness from someone who knows you well.
10. Get some body work done
Have you ever heard the saying, ‘we carry our issues in our tissues’? Well, it’s true. All our life experiences, traumas and emotions have a way of integrating themselves into our bodies and flaring up at the most inconvenient times. At times like these it’s awesome to reach out to a trusted reiki practitioner, go for a massage or even just have a relaxing sauna.