Navigating a Funk
I consider myself lucky when I reflect upon the fact that 9 out of 10 days for me are “good.” And in this context, “good” means my head is in the game, life looks positive, and my body is operating comfortably. I am fortunate to have an arguably ( 😉 ) sound mind, which allows me to find meaning and light in difficult situations. But I appreciate that not everyone is built in a way that offers them such stability.
However, I too face bleak days. Days when I cannot find motivation and productivity, days when happiness seems out of reach, and days when nothing functions ideally. The crazy thing is that after fully overcoming an abundance of similar moments, I still cannot immediately convince myself that everything will be okay. Yes, I tend to find relative confidence that tomorrow will offer me a refreshed mindset, but today is out of the question. Today, I am stuck. Inconveniently, I crave a complete reset to find my hopeful disposition again.
While I wish I could help you conquer this negative mindset immediately, the truth is that I haven’t yet figured it out for myself. Transparently, some aspects of my past are too scarring to allow me to overcome this specific situation. But I can help you work your way through it so that, at a minimum, you can get on with the day as a functioning human. It is not easy, and it takes practice, but I have learned what it takes to step up when necessary. And let’s be honest with ourselves…it is always necessary in one way or another. Because at the end of the day there are other people out there counting on us.
Okay! Let’s get started. Below are some of my tools and practices to work your way through these challenging situations.
Tools to Navigate a Funk
I know it may sound too simple, but basic self-care/hygiene activities, a change of scenery, and well-being practices always make me feel better when I can’t seem to find my normal motivation. A combination of tasks within each of these buckets makes the world of a difference for me. Sometimes barriers to a positive mindset are as simple as physical discomfort, so I aim to address these first.
Basic Self-Care/Hygiene
- Brush Your Teeth
- Wash Your Face
- Put on a Face Mask
- Take a Shower
- Change Your Clothes
Change of Scenery
- Go for a Walk
- Get Out of Bed
- Make Your Bed
- Go to Another Room/Location
Well-Being Practices
- Drink Lots of Water
- Put on Lotion & Chapped Stick
- Read a Book
- Play Your Favourite Podcast
- Turn on Moving/Energetic Music
- Cook or Bake
- Do Something You’ve Been Avoiding (Even as small as texting someone back or tossing laundry in the machine)
Ultimately, we all know our personal triggers that lead to both productivity and apathy, so it’s up to us to physically or mentally create these lists of simple activities that support ourselves in either scenario. It amazes me how the smallest action can lead to a completely new mindset. Of course, a solution is not always that “simple.” Some days are particularly difficult to navigate, but I know how much more important it is for me to do what I can then to set myself up for future success.
I constantly need to discourage myself from dismissing and giving up on a hard day, so that’s my goal for you in this post. But I also need to remind you/us that tomorrow presents new possibilities and opportunities. You do NOT need to wake up and feel the same heaviness weighing on you now. You have the power to make that difference. Eat a healthy dinner, read a book, go to bed early, and start a fresh, productive, energised day. You got this, we got this ❤
Much love,
Bea
HealthyBea 
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