5 Ways To Get Yourself Out Of A Mental Funk

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1. Exercise

I know. You’ve seen this everywhere and everyone says it, and it’s so boring and tiring and easier said than done, but it’s so, so worth it. Working out is a great way to get up and moving. It’s so easy to just sit around, wallowing and bumming out. Getting up and doing something will give you an opportunity to blow off some steam as well as provide you with a change of pace and scene.

Not only does working out build more self-confidence and self-esteem (after the initial ‘I’m a tubby bum’ phase), but it attracts other people to you as well. Confidence is a trait that reflects in your walk, your expression, and your comfortability with speaking to people. Your body, after exercising, naturally releases endorphins that lift your spirits.

Get up. Go run, do some yoga, lift weights, play soccer. Do something.

2. Music 

Of course it’s great to listen to music that reflects how you’re feeling. Slow, lyrics with deep emotional reflections, and tunes that make you quiet down and think– are all examples of music to avoid. There’s nothing wrong with these styles, but when you’re feeling down, they’re only going to pull you lower.

This doesn’t mean you have to listen to crazy electric music that gets you dancing and doing cartwheels in the living room. Try listening to something upbeat that you know all the words to. Singing along and shouting lyrics are quite helpful with releasing stress and easing up the feels.

3. Food and Diet

We all have those days where ice cream, chocolate, and junk food are the only things we want to eat. That’s fine! Those days just can’t become weeks, and even months of eating garbage. Neglecting yourself is only going to be a setback on your road to improvement.

Eat three meals a day. Snack light, and with fruit. Try tea instead of coffee. Shoot for natural foods, maybe not necessarily organic, but homemade food instead of settling for fast food and takeout. At the end of the day, you are what you eat, and that can either make or break you.

4. Try New Things

Sticking to a certain routine can get quite boring and uninteresting at times. Everyone needs a change of pace, and sometimes, that could be what helps most. Change, however, can be pretty scary. Pushing yourself to try new things, meeting new people, and even just taking a break from your routine, could significantly affect how you feel. A mini vacation from the norm can “jump-start” your life, and reset your thought process. 

Keep an open mind and let the world show you what it has to offer.

5. Dress to Impress… Yourself.

Sweats are comfy. So are fuzzy socks and oversized hoodies. However, it can be extremely beneficial to clean yourself up and throw on an outfit that’ll make you smile. It’s statistically proven that good attire leads to greater productivity and a better work ethic. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is good, especially when you can just bum out in some baggy sweats, but don’t be afraid to tidy up and check yourself out in the mirror.

And don’t forget, the nicest thing you can wear is your smile!