Un-funking the Funk

 

One of my personal favorite funky-day cures: going for a drive. (Having The Grand Tetons in view always helps too).

 

Maybe it’s just me, but every few weeks I just get in a funk. Usually nothing has really led to it or caused it, I just get grumpy and annoyed with little things and I just can’t seem to shake it. I sit and stew over why I’m upset and feel like this, and there’s really never a reason.

 

So maybe it’s just a bad day, or a bad moment. Usually it’s the latter. So I spend some time trying to turn it around and make it another good day. If it’s a pretty day, I start by opening the windows and letting the sunshine, birds’ songs and the gentle cool breeze into my home. I stay in my pajamas as long as possible, because why wouldn’t anyone?

 

If it’s too cold or rainy, I turn on some music and get productive. I get in the zone when I play music by Greensky Bluegrass or The Steeldrivers, both recommended by two of my brothers. They’re perfect for me because they’re upbeat and happy, while also being fast-paced that always gets me moving. Play your favorite music, watch your favorite show, wear your favorite shirt, do at least one thing that will give you a little tingle of joy.

 

Take a minute when you wake up before you grab your phone (guilty…) to smile (I know it sounds cheesy but studies have shown that smiling when you wake up can have a positive impact on your day!), stretch, maybe do a couple yoga poses, and then get up and get your day started. Go for a walk or a bike ride if the weather is nice! You don’t have to run a marathon, but even taking a lap around the neighborhood or to a local café for your morning coffee will elevate your mood. We all know how effective endorphins can be, but to quote one of my favorite blondes, Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t!

 

I love to cook and to clean, so I try to do both of those on my “funky” days. I also to make a list of things I need to do, errands I need to run, or phone calls I need to make. I feel accomplished and proud when I spend a few hours getting things taken care of and off of my plate. It’s an easy stress reliever.

 

Don’t get me wrong, though. I definitely have days when I literally do not leave my bed. I have mental and physical rest days and we all sometimes need them. Relaxing has not come easily to me, but struggling with a chronic illness recently has made me realize how vital it is to take time that you need. You don’t have to make excuses or apologize for allowing yourself to be lazy for a little bit! Humans need to rest, especially in a stressful environment (hello, politics).

 

For me, I give myself that one day to be lazy, and then once it’s out of my system I feel better for the rest of the week! I wake up early and cook myself a good breakfast, get outside, and eat as much fruit as I can stand. Taking a shower is another great “reset” button for me, even though I dread the task at times. I do always feel way better as soon as I’m done. Just getting in the right mindset is the first step in shaking the bad out of your day, no matter what you wind up doing.

 

Find what works for you, and try it out. Hopefully your days will be happy and funk-free! Rest easy and stay happy, folks!

Xo

Lauren

 

 

 

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