I remember waking up one day feeling irritable, I wanted to complain, feeling purposeless, feeling extremely bored, disinterested in work, forcing myself to feel happy and positive when all I really wanted to do was shut off, sleep or just lie down despondently. This feeling went on for a few days. I realized I wasn’t sad or feeling depressed, I was just in a phase of a really bad mood, in a funk, if you will.

It doesn’t surprise me when people email me about their situation and tell me they feel, “depressed” when they feel stuck, not motivated and just don’t feel good about themselves. Our lack of complete knowledge and understanding about depression has led to us believing that anything unpleasant is a sign of depression.

Do you substitute or have you substituted ‘being in a bad mood’ with that to ‘being depressed’?

Being in a funk is when you’re in an extremely unpleasant mood. It’s a brief phase. For some it lasts for a few moments and for some it lasts for a few days. Sometimes it may be due to a specific reason sometimes it happens without a reason. (Also, not to be confused with mood swings)

In this article I want to share a few ways that can help you get out of a funk.

1. Some for of Physical Workout – Sometimes the energy that fuels us to work, gets stuck in a particular area (related to blood circulation as well). When you move your body that energy tends to balance itself, releasing endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in your body. Any form of Physical activity will help you feel balanced.

2. Complain for 5 minutes straight – This is an activity I do with my clients when they feel unpleasant. I time it for 5 minutes allowing them to complain about anything that they’re feeling or thinking. When we’re in a bad mood forcing ourselves to feel positive and happy is not an option. It in-fact causes a lot more damage.

3. Pick a new small goal – Sometimes lack of an achievement also causes unpleasantness in the mind letting us believe that we have no purpose. Sometimes it also makes us feel as we’re just wasting our time. When you pick a new small goal, work on it and achieve the task it makes you feel motivated to work on a bigger goal. I recently asked a client who is a baker to take up a small project with her baking skills, a small free tutorial. As soon as she started working on this new goal, with each process she felt more motivated and confident.

4. Help Someone else – Try to collaborate with someone or volunteer to help someone. Research says that we experience happiness, freedom and a sense of purpose when we help someone. Help someone at home with their chores, your neighbour, your friend with a project anything at all.

5. Change your schedule – Sometimes doing something repeatedly could also be the reason of feeling unpleasant. Try to change your schedule. Move a few activities here and there to see how it makes you feel. Repetition can sometimes wear you down.

6. Doodle or Colour – I’m sure you’ve come across this technique. Colouring is a good mindfulness exercise. It helps in reducing anxiety and stress. Doodling and colouring can be happy variables. Sometimes most people find that when they colour or doodle their subconscious tries to solve any problem on its own. I highly recommend this. It is through sketching I discovered my love for botanicals – art and illustration.

7. Declutter and detox – This helps to organize the random thoughts in your mind. The clean space makes you feel renewed and rejuvenated. I usually start my day by cleaning my work desk and making my bed with my coffee. Very small rituals but they help me feel ready and motivated for the day. Detoxing helps to let go.

8. Changes in your food and sleep patterns – If you’re going through this feeling since a long time check the kind of food you’ve been eating. Is it too greasy, fried or heavy? Try to eat lighter and earlier. Also check your sleep patterns. Sometimes lack of sleep or too much sleep can cause discomfort.

9. Give yourself a makeover – I highly recommend this too. Doesn’t have to be something big, just a small change, can really uplift your mood. For me it used to be cutting side bangs. Now that I’m at home I wear light makeup, my work requires it and I feel good. Just kajal, eye liner and lipstick.

The other things that can help you get out of a funk are –

1. Reading

2. Listening to music

3. Avoiding the news

4. Avoiding social media

5. Meditation/breathwork/visualization

6. Watching something funny/romantic

7. Spend time in fresh air/nature

8. Journaling

These are a few ways you can apply to try to bring yourself out of a funk.

Remember- It’s okay to feel this way. Most people feel this way. Its universal.

In my opinion is a call for change.

When something unpleasant hits, I think it’s time to take breathe and take a good look at your life, your routine, your self and see what needs to be changed.

(Please note – If you feel as if it’s not as simple as this and need professional help, please talk to a professional therapist)

I hope these points help you get out of a funk and help you feel rejuvenated and happier than before.