This post was written by BIA contributor Chelsea M. Becker
A few weeks ago, I went through a funk. I began waking up feeling like it was Groundhog’s Day and generally unexcited about life. I tend to be a positive, optimistic person, but for some reason I was feeling bogged down and heavy. Nothing significant had changed, but I found myself feeling much different than normal.
After about a week of feeling like this, I realized my emotions weren’t naturally changing on their own. And since I was sick of being a downer and even feeling ungrateful, I wanted to do something about it. I decided to dedicate that Sunday to a “touch base day” – something I hadn’t ever thought of before, but something I thought might help.
I have a friend who swears by journaling to get her out of funks, so that’s where I started. I wrote down everything I was thinking or feeling (or not), and 5 pages letter, felt lighter. Not necessarily happier, but more in touch with what was happening.
I noticed my words surrounded a lack of excitement. I enjoyed my job, but it wasn’t giving me the same thrill it did a year ago. I liked the workout classes I was attending, but they weren’t challenging me mentally. I liked taking my dog on walks, but the same route every afternoon wasn’t refreshing. I liked laying low at night, but was also feeling lazy and bored of even my favorite shows. I loved working from home and not getting ready every day, but I was so over my yoga pants and no makeup routine.
Now, I’m a homebody but I’m also extroverted – and I realized that I wasn’t feeding that part of my personality. I was, for the most part, doing the same routine day after day, without meeting new people or going outside of my comfort zone. No wonder I was feeling stuck in a rut. I had created a rut for myself, with little to look forward to other than the same ol’ things.
Even though it took major self-motivation and energy, I vowed to make that next week different. I went back to my journal and what I had made note of (work, night time routine, being home all the time, boring workouts, etc.), and made a tweak to each area.
From signing up for a new class just the next day (even if I had zero idea how to do TRX), to asking a friend to dinner the following (even if that meant actually having to put makeup on!), to keeping the TV off for the week (even though I’d miss the Real Housewives), to sprucing up my desk and recipes that week, it was just the refresh I needed.
I don’t know why it took me over a week to realize that I needed to touch base with myself vs. dragging in my own boredom, but I’m so glad I did the practice. If you’re feeling “off” or bored, I can’t suggest it enough! It’s amazing what a little journaling and newness can do to your mood.
15 comments
That basically what hapenned to me the whole of last year… It’s one of the worst feeling ever and it is so hard most of the time to put your finger on what’s actually going on… I didn’t think about writing it down at the time, but it must help a lot!
Lucie, xx
http://thefrenchpier.blogspot.com/
This post is so helpful and I’ll definitely save it and go back to it whenever I feel like that. I’m someone who gets bored easily and routine is my worst enemy even though it’s sometimes necessary for a balanced lifestyle. But tweaking your routine a little bit every now and then to make life more exciting again is something I hadn’t thought of, but now I do !!! Thank you Chelsea.
Sunny Rose.
Really enjoyed this post, I definitely feel the same. Been in a bit of a funk lately and bored of the same old routine.
You just hit the nail on the head – I’ve been feeling this a lot lately – like being loss but no idea of where to go. Thank you for the ideas!!
Today I sat and thought about my dreams and desires. And I sat in a funk because I hadn’t reached the point of success that I desired. But then I realized there is so much beauty and abundance in my life. I just need to acknowledge them.
https://mysillylittlehabits.blogspot.com
I completely agree. This is exactly where I have been for almost 3 months but I haven’t quite figured out exactly all that I want to change/refresh. I have a few things though so it’s coming along. I like this ‘touch base’ day though…I actually came up with something for myself that is quite similar (I’m an introvert that also loves to be at home…and I’ve made my home quite comfy so it’s really easy to NOT want to go anywhere LOL): Each month, get dressed up and do something new.
Like I intend to by a whole new outfit for it and everything… I think this will help me get out of my funks.
Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
I love your sincerity and your advice to get out of an emotional blow
New post:https://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/2017/09/nyfw-day-4.html
Yes everyday it is important to pause and check in .
Try tapping. It’s amazing for changing your energy in the moment.
Thank you for the article and I realized that I was not myself because I am around so many people during the week and I need to recharge. I changed my room around that helped me and I tried to relaxed and not put too much pressure on myself.
This post is what I needed. I’ve been feeling the same way. Looks like I need to do the same thing.
I too am an extremely optimistic person, who always wakes up happy, really! I know it sounds crazy but I’m inside and out happy. But it wasn’t like that for me last year…I was constantly just down, forgetting things, feeling totally exhausted and worn out, lethargic, on the verge of tears all the time. I didn’t like me… The most important thing about all of this is that it scared me, it made me think “wow, there’s something wrong with you”… so I went to my primary Dr. and was completely honest with her about EVERYTHING…she took some blood and 2 weeks later I returned for the results. I was floored !! My B12 level had dropped considerably below normal and I had every symptom in the book….You know yourself better than anyone else so If you aren’t yourself for more than a month, make an appointment with your physician you might find out that it’s not all about who you are but about what your body is trying to tell you….
Love journaling as well when I am down! I also find trying my hardest to start the day positive with fun music is always great !
I fully agree to what you write. I would say touching base with yourself weekly, on a bit deeper level, is really crucial. or, at least it allows you to really spend time with yourself, check in, and spend a moment thinking where is the life actually going.
I also love to get out from my home and enjoy a cup of coffee in some extravagant place. It used to be a specific hotel bar for a year, nowadays I mostly explore around London.
I rationalize the expensive cups of coffee as a very cheap theraphy 🙂
I also was in a funk once hearing my middle brothers diagnosis of
early onset Alzheimer’s. I rested a lot and bought self flowers.
My slump was for quite some time-one day i purged all day-then closet purge.Walked a lot,thinking and would head down by the sea.All set now-but I so get it.In a Funk for lack of a better word.
Life,we all find a way.I did go to my Dr. B12 low, fatigue,working on it.It’s all good.Positive thoughts and naps..