It might be post-vacation haze. It could be because summer just isn’t “normal routine.” I could even say it’s the summer heat. Whatever my excuse, it’s time for me to get out of that funk I’ve been in.
It might be time for you to get out of that funk too.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The definition at Dictionary.com for funk is simply this: a dejected mood. For whatever oddball reason, some days we all wake up in that exact frame of mind. For some of you (myself included) that funk comes in spurts and can stick around for days at a time or even longer.
Whether it has been a day, a week, or a season, here are 6 not-so-difficult ways to get out of that funk:
- Be present and in-the-moment with those who matter most. For many of you, this will be your spouse and/or children. I love coming home and being gleefully greeted at the end of the hall by my 42 pound, 3 year old Caleb, (a.k.a. “Daddy’s Little Tank”). Then, as he throws his arms in the air, he more or less aims himself in my general direction and starts running. He’d better be all that matters to me in those next few precious moments if for no other reason than I am all that matters to him. Yeah… that’ll help you get out of that funk.
- Read subject matter you don’t normally read. Admittedly, it’s been too long since I’ve simply lost myself in a good story but I’m doing this right now, in fact. I recall one such time in Bible college when I just had to put down the three or four textbooks I had on the go for the one course I was in and picked up a good, ‘ol Tom Clancy standard, The Sum of All Fears as I recall.
- Be deliberate with your break time at work. If you’re anything like me, if you’re not careful, you could potentially go through the entire workday without taking any significant break, even for lunch, adding to the stressful funk you’re already in. That’s not healthy. A while ago, I started to include timers with audible reminders into my work process. I use a free desktop app called Focus Booster (Mac OS X or Windows). It’s really helped me out. I encourage you to check it out or look at something similar. An old-fashioned kitchen timer may be all you need.
- Get some rest! Having previously posted (a guest post actually) about this topic, I won’t belabour the point. You know when you’re not getting enough rest. Most people require at least 7 hours per night consistently; some need 9 or 10. This doesn’t just pile on to your funk but is a good principle to follow overall.
- Return to your faith roots. Undoubtedly the most systemic problem for me happens when I allow myself to begin to wander aimlessly in my faith walk. As a Christian, missionary, and minister, there is no greater task I have than joyfully aligning my behaviour with my belief. Simply stated, my walk better match my talk. It is because of my faith that everything else in my life has meaning. I’ve heard it said that you can’t minister out of an empty well, so I make a point of deliberately refilling it regularly. This has pulled me out of a funk more times than I can remember. Outside of what I think about Jesus and then do as a result, nothing I do, say, or think will leave any lasting impression. Nothing.
- For goodness sake… do something fun! Take a walk around the block… twice. Go for a run on the beach. Grab some friends and go play Frisbee at the park. Whatever you consider to be a fun activity, go and do it. At the very least, change your position… literally. Your physiology affects your mood. For extra points, combine this with one or more of the above.
Like I said, it’s just about time for me to get out of my funk. I have been or will be doing all of the above.
I’m just about there… join me?
What did I miss? What not-so-difficult ways do you have to get out of your funk?
