Getting out of a funk

[Jen12]

How do you get yourself out of a funk?

I'm not finding much motivation to do anything. I force myself to do my workout classes, because I pay for those, but dragging myself out to run or bike just seems like too much, even though I have a few bike rides and running events that I should be putting some mileage in to get ready for. There are career and friendship things going on that have me down. I'm frustrated at my lack of control over certain things, particularly on the job front. I'm doing all that I can, but the economy is making things bad for people in my field.

We all have our up and down periods. Time helps, but when you're just in the dumps, how do you crawl out?

[redrhodie]

Epsom Salt baths really help me. I swear by them. 2 cups in the bath, soak for half an hour, 3 times a week. Costs around $2.50 for a half gallon.

[salsabike]

I try to do something different, like take a one-day class on painting fabric--something frivolous and low-pressure, just fun and maybe a little new. Kind of a "break from everything" activity.

[hebe]

I'm sorry that you're going through a hard patch, I hope things improve for you soon.

It's very PollyAnna, but I always try to do something for someone else when I'm down, even if it's just sorting out things that can go to a charity shop. It is important to do something for you too. It may be that you need to back off on some activity, or it might help to scale it back to something that you want to do rather than something you feel you have to do. Sometimes the last thing you need is still more obligations.

[salsabike]

Doing something for someone else does always help.

The other thing I do is go see something that's just plain beautiful. Like the orchids at the local conservatory, or the duck pond where lots of fancy duck species hang out (plus a golden pheasant who lives there), or the Asian Art Museum, or a garden or park or the waterfront. Stuff like that.

[Bethany1]

First off, it's okay. Funks are normal part of everyone's life and stress plays a big factor in it. Deal with the most important stresses of your life like your relationships and work. If you need to, put your bikes back in the stable if you aren't up to riding. They will be waiting patiently for your return and won't hate you for doing so. There's nothing wrong with saying "No. I can't do this" if something is over your head. Don't ever feel guilty for saying "No" to something you can't/don't want to do.

Take some time to walk away from the situations to think it out. Something that relaxes you like a soothing bath or a walk in the park. A book or another hobby? Spend some time with friends.

Funks do go away. Some just take longer than others. Good luck and ((HUGS)).

[Velocivixen]

It depends. When I'm in a funk sometimes I feel tired, so I allow myself naps. That can, however, interfere with my regular sleeping patterns so I have to be mindful. I make sure that I eat wisely and don't use food as a crutch or as a "friend" since I have a weight issue. After that though (I give myself an allotted time for "escape into sleep", I force myself to change my environment. Maybe go to a different park for a walk or something like that. My mood usually changes. Surprisingly, sometimes chatting with strangers can be refreshing (not about your problems, just about whatever". I can usually start up a conversation. Go buy yourself some flowers to cheer up your space.

[itself]

Epsom Salt baths really help me. I swear by them. 2 cups in the bath, soak for half an hour, 3 times a week. Costs around $2.50 for a half gallon.

Interesting information that after ten minutes in Epsom salts, the toxins are reabsorbed:

http://www.ehow.com/way_5585341_long...alt-bath_.html

[yellow]

I have much experience with this lately!

I think at its most basic level, I know that it is temporary and it is not who I am. I know that things will return to normal (or a new normal) at some point. But for some reason (or many reasons that seem to compound) the synchronization gets way off.

I think where I might differ from a lot of people is in that I say to allow yourself to feel whatever it is you're feeling. Don't try to mask it. Get to know it. And then figure out why you are feeling that way. Maybe you can't, and that's OK. But after a while you'll get fed up with this new friend and send it on its way.

Surround yourself with people (or animals) that you love and who love you. By far this is one of my most powerful weapons.

Think chaos : order. It'll come back together.

[Dogmama]

This will sound weird -

Welcome it. In Buddhism, it's called "inviting Mara to tea." When I'm in a funk, I'm ready to learn new things about myself & about life.

My latest funk is around my hands - they are becoming quite arthritic and some of my beloved activities, including cycling, must be toned down. Denial won't help, I've tried it. It's about accepting that this body has some inherited diseases (osteoarthritis) and maybe there is something else I'm supposed to do.

Then, there is the economy. Sometimes being able to pay the electric bill and have food in the fridge is good - all else are luxury problems. I can probably live without a new bike. Maybe I need to walk more, slow down & really appreciate the autumn weather.

When I constrict myself into "I MUST get out of this funk! This is not good! What will make me feel better?" my world becomes very small and answers don't flow.