How I Get Out Of A Funk

Truth be told, I’ve been in a funk. I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but I haven’t been posting as much as I normally do on the blog. I think every creator goes through this at some point. It holds me back from sharing because if I don’t feel like I’m bringing value, I don’t want to share just for the sake of sharing.

I sort of feel like I’m in quicksand and just struggling to keep my head up with all things surrounding my career. Do you know what I mean? I’ve definitely felt this way at times with previous jobs but working for yourself brings on a whole new kind of pressure. If I’m not succeeding, or I’m not where I want to be — I only have myself to blame.

April month is a little less busy than March which I think is helping, as I really have time to think about and pinpoint why I feel in a “funk” and how I can get out of it. I hope if you’re also in a funk, you find these tips helpful.

Dress: BB Dakota (old – similar style)  |  Boots: Aldo  |  Bag: Angela Roi c/o  |  Earrings: Urban Outfitters  |  Lipstick: Tarte Birthday Suit

1. Exercise

You guys, I hate that this tip is true but it IS. I’m not innately a fan of exercising. I love the way I feel after I do it, but it’s really a drag getting myself there and I’m fantastic at making excuses for myself. I looked at this past month and I exercised WAY less than I usually do… about once a week and some weeks not even at all. I typically shoot for 3 days a week, 4 or 5 if I’m being super good. On one of our recent episodes of The Vegan View, we interviewed fitness guru Angie Stewart who informed us that for every 30 minutes of workout

2. Try Something New

I always feel inspired after I try something new. I think many times we forget to take time for ourselves to have a hobby or an activity that makes us happy. Trying something new is also a great confidence booster. Whether it’s taking a class, trying a new workout, or picking up a new hobby like reading — trying something new is so important.

3. Seek Inspiration

Sometimes when I seek inspiration, I really just end up comparing myself and getting down on myself. Make sure you don’t go down that path of feeling worse about yourself if you’re seeking inspiration (cough, cough Instagram). I find that Pinterest is an amazing source for inspiration as well as YouTube. For some reason when I seek inspiration in these places I am much less likely to compare myself to others and more likely to gather tidbits of inspiration.

Aside from social media, sometimes TV shows and movies offer me inspiration as well, in many different fashions. I am almost always motivated and uplifted when I leave the movie theater. A more recent example I can think of is Love, Simon — obviously SUCH a good movie and message that was incredibly inspiring on many levels but I was weirdly inspired by Simon’s family and their home. It made me optimistic about my future life with family, and really just made me want to go home and clean and organize my house – HAHA. Seriously, that house was damn clean.

4. Travel

I don’t mean go on a six-month sabbatical and travel the world to find yourself… unless that’s something you really want to do then, by all means, GO FOR IT. I mean a little less “Travel In Her Shoes” and more of just get out of the dang house. I recently went to Palm Springs to visit my Grandad who was in town for the weekend and it was SO nice to get away for a little bit. I find I’m way less likely to be on social media and way more likely to be present when I’m a little farther away from home. Palm Springs is only 1.5-2 hours away from me so it’s not like a huge getaway, but it’s just enough to recharge. I think a weekend getaway is a must when you’re in a funk.

5. Focus on the Good

I’m really, really hard on myself. I have a difficult time looking back on how far I’ve come and really only want to look forward to where I want to be and ask myself why I’m not there yet. This is pretty toxic.

If you told me 5 years ago I would be chasing my dreams of being a full-time blogger and actress, my jaw would have been on.the.floor. I never thought it would be possible to even attempt these things. I’m not saying it’s easy, and I have a long way to go until I’ll feel 100% secure in these careers, but the fact is that I am giving it my best effort. I have to give myself some credit.

If you feel the same way, I find it helpful to write a list of 3 things I’m thankful for. I try to do this daily but forget a lot of time. When I do remember, it’s almost like an instant mood lifter. Seriously, give it a go! It sounds cheesy, but it works.

Have you guys experienced a “funk”? How do you get out of it? Would love to hear your tips in the comments!

Photos: Gabi Wells