How to Get Out of a Funk if You Aren’t Feeling Like Yourself Lately

Are you feeling like you are in a funk or a rut?

At some point or another, we’ve all found ourselves at a place in our lives where we’ve felt worn out, bored, stagnant or just demotivated. The impact Covid had on people’s mental health I believe is still underestimated and the consequences of how people are feeling are still being felt now. Especially with feelings of isolation during the pandemic, loneliness, anxiety and heightened stress as people lost their jobs, their livelihoods, relationships broke apart, families were separated and people lost loved ones.

We then had the great resignation where people wanted more freedom and choice in what they did. But deep down people were and are still feeling lost, inadequate, looking for purpose and wanting to make choices that light them up versus because they ‘have to’. They want to feel like what they do in their life has an impact on them and the people around them, not just because they have to do XYZ job. Yet a lot of people don’t know where to start. There’s a massive boom in the wellness space from coaching, retreats and alternative therapies to help address this gap.

But there’s a gap in awareness in bridging this gap between individuals and recognising that they are in a funk and need help, and professionals meeting these potential clients and helping them. Or people don’t know where to start. People are at various stages of their personal development journeys and help is still needed to support these people.

So how can you move forward positively, no matter what stage of life you are in?

I like to take a holistic approach to healing or working through a difficult period, and this can apply to anyone at any life stage, and that’s through a mind, body and spirit perspective.

Mind: there 3 things typically suggest when focusing on your mind.

1. Write down how you’re feeling. Whether that’s in a journal or notebook. Or digitally. There’s power in writing something with pen and paper though. Let the pen flow. How are you feeling, write out the scenario that’s currently bothering you. What’s making you feel that way? Describe the emotion. Now see how you could reframe that story. What’s a positive outcome or intention for that situation? I also love to use a journaling exercise called ‘Your Ideal Day’. Write out with precision what your ideal day would look like. Then start to incorporate pieces of your ideal day into your life. Start having more fun and doing things that light you up. The more you practice activities that light you up the more you’ll boost your endorphins and raise your vibration.

2. Find or double down on a creative hobby. Whether that’s writing, music, art, or design, the choice is yours. Do something that boosts your creative flow and that you enjoy. Again, this will raise your energy, and finding something you love will get you into flow and out of a funk. Who knows maybe you’ll find your next passion project or life purpose! During Covid I studied interior design and renovated my terrace in London. It kept me going and gave me a sense of purpose. If you’re struggling to find something, think about what you loved to do as a child. If no one was watching or questioning you, what would you do for fun?

3. Speak to someone. Being in a funk can feel lonely and uncomfortable. But you don’t have to do it on your own. Find a coach, therapist or professional that can support you and be a sounding board. Having a safe space and an outlet to talk about how you feel can help to unload and reprogram beliefs whilst getting clarity on where you’re heading. Coaching and therapy have changed my life and been a support blanket when I needed it the most.

Body. Our mind and bodies are tightly intertwined therefore taking care of your body is imperative. Here are some simple methods:

1. Get enough sleep. Sleep is probably the most important thing you can do to support your body and mental well-being. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Put your phone away at least an hour before you go to bed and use meditation to drift off especially if you struggle with sleeping. I love to do this, and it helps me every time!

2. Daily movement. Whether that’s a walk around the block, yoga, or your favourite workout. This boosts endorphins, ramps up your creative juices and boosts those feel-good positive vibrations. When I don’t move every day it affects how I feel and is always a reminder to get some movement in.

3. Nutrition. How you fuel your body will affect how you feel. Eat good wholesome nutritious food. If you struggle with where to start, start by removing processed foods. Keep as natural as you can. Wholesome grains, fresh fish/meat, fruit and LOTS of water. We’re made up of 70% water so it’s vital that you replenish your water and drink at least 2 litres a day. This will also drive better digestion and keep you happy 😃 Start your day with a big glass of water and squeezed lemon, followed by a balanced protein and carbohydrate meal. Eat slowly and savour every bite. Enjoy the process!

Spirit. This is all about connecting with yourself! How often do you give yourself permission, and time, to connect with YOU?

This can be through meditation, breathwork or just being with yourself. No phone, no distractions, just you. Find a time and place where you can be at peace with yourself. I love incorporating meditation into my daily routines and notice that when I don’t I feel out of balance. It can be 5-10 minutes or longer. Create a sacred space that feels social for you or sit up straight in your bed. Sitting up is more powerful as the energy can flow up through your body. Use a guided meditation from YouTube or your favourite meditation app like Calm or Headspace.

Breathwork, meaning taking conscious inhales and exhales, repeatedly helps to oxygenate your body and brain. It also helps to calm the nerves and block stress hormones. Great if you’re feeling anxious. Try putting one hand on your stomach and breathing deeply in for 4 through your nose, holding for 4, and exhaling for 6 through your mouth. Repeat 5 times.

Finally, try to connect meditation and breathing with a clear intention or prayer that you want to intend for. Visualise your intention with clarity. Journaling beforehand can help you get that clarity before your meditation.

If it seems like a lot all at once, try one and focus on that for a solid week. And remember have fun with this.

It’s your life and you get to create it.