Last week was hard. I have so much to be grateful for in this season but there are times I get into a funk and just have hard days mentally. One thing I’ve learned though is that there is no excuse for me to stay in a funk. Happiness is a choice. Don’t get me wrong, your feelings are valid. But the sooner you address those feelings, the sooner you can take on some of these actions to get out of that funk!
Rest
If you’ve read my post earlier this week on rest, you know I’m a huge advocate for taking time to renew your mind. If you have to step away from a situation for 1 minute to breathe and reassess some things, that’s ok! Your world won’t burn down if you decide to take some time to simply rest. I’ve learned that most days I’m in a funk, it’s because I haven’t had time to mentally stop and rest.
Clean and Declutter
Since I became a SAHM and started spending all my time at home, I’ve learned that I can’t function in clutter. My mood is often altered by my environment. If my space is cluttered, I can’t think straight and my mind becomes cluttered. If my bed is unmade, I become tired and unmotivated for most of the day. I will also sometimes diffuse mood-lifting essential oils or burn candles according to what mood I feel like being in! If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, check out aromaticbalance.com!
Look Nice
Growing up my mama would always say “when you look good, you feel good”. I honestly didn’t understand this saying until recently. For the sake of my skin, I don’t wear makeup every day but on days I need an extra push I’ll put on a full face of makeup. It doesn’t matter if I’m not going anywhere, I do it for me. I do it because it makes me feel good! Since I spend a lot of time at home, I also invested in nicer pajamas and loungewear so I can look nice but still be comfortable. Pay attention to what makes you feel good and invest in those areas.
Picture Your Happy Place
You may be in a funk because you’re tired of being in a rut. Though you may not be able to physically get out of that rut in that exact moment, you can always mentally picture yourself elsewhere! I’m naturally a planner so I love to plan future vacations I want to go on to give myself something to look forward to. Or if I’m feeling like I’m “idle” in my goals, I’ll create a list of tasks or create a vision board. It always gets me hyped up to have things to work towards!
Get outside/Go for a walk
I’m a firm believer that fresh air is good for the soul! In fact, there are scientific studies that show a correlation between vitamin D deficiencies (“the sunshine vitamin”) and mood disorders. Getting outside more was a tip given to me last year when I was going through a hard time and it’s been a game-changer! I make a conscious effort to go outside and play with Raelynn multiple times throughout the week. I wish we could go outside every day but the Florida sun can be a bear! Shawn and I also love to find trails and parks in our area and go for walks as an inexpensive date day activity. Can you tell that one of my love languages is quality time?
Go To Target
I had to throw this in here! Target is my happy place, but substitute Target for your happy place. We’ve still been social distancing in our household so the occasional trip to the store is a special treat. The change of scenery will definitely do you some good if you’re in a funk because you’ve been looking at the same walls for a while.
Gratitude Journal
I can be a very goal-oriented person. But there are times I’m in a funk because I’m too focused on the future and not appreciating where I’m at presently. There’s always something to be grateful for. Take the time and write out all the things you’re grateful for when you’re feeling down. Sometimes focusing on the good in your life will overshadow your feelings of what you’re perceiving as bad.
Give
This verse is usually used to reference tithes and financial giving but this principle can easily be applied to any and every aspect of life. Love on those around you. It’s what we’re called to do as Christians anyways! I’ve also learned the more I pour into others, the easier it is to get outside of my own head.
Choosing happiness isn’t always the easiest decision, but just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You can be happy and you deserve happiness. Write it on your wall if you have to! More importantly, believe it and take the necessary actions to regain your strength.
XO
Michelle
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