Feeling in a funk? Because, same. I feel like I’ve been in a “funk” for a few months now (actually more than that). It’s hard. But we all gotta figure it out one way or another. Right?
How did your funk start? I feel like this “funk” of mine started when I started to have less time for myself mixed with a little burnout. Sometimes you notice it too late, sometimes you may notice it but still push yourself anyway. We all can get caught up in the mix of things that we seem to forget about our mental health. I’m sure we share the same thought- life doesn’t pause when we need it to.
I talked to one of my clients about both of us being in a funk. She called it “mental malfunction” and I thought why not add that in here. It made me laugh that someone young was also able to describe such a term with two great words to describe the reality of it.
I’m not going to lie, but getting out of this funk has not been easy. Even though the downfall started more than a few months ago, I’m still slowly climbing out of this “mental malfunction”. Something that helps me feel better about things is being physically and mentally organized. Although that may also sound easy, it’s not always. There are work things and personal things that mix and match and still end up scrambled in my head. Then of course, there are also more fun things on this to-do list of mine that I want to complete before the other (boring) things.
Through this journey of mine, I have realized that it’s a good start to complete something easier first that you haven’t done in a while. For me, it’s reading. I have always enjoyed getting caught up in a book. I haven’t read a book since 2023, and I recently finished a book over 400 pages in less than two weeks. I felt so accomplished and happy. Unconsciously, it might be a relief that I feel. Like the thought of- I’m finally getting back to where I want to be, a big, deep and happy breath. I’ve been really trying to read again. Each time I checked out a book on my kindle, I never touched it no matter how many books I checked out. My friend bought this book for me and that was the start for me. I felt obligated to read this book. It helped! Thanks Julie!
Self-care/time for yourself
We all know what self-care could be, but how come it’s so hard to actually do it? I know that I may not follow through on what I need, is because I have a fear of missing out. I’m a quality time kind of person. Therefore, I like to spend time with my family and friends when I can. I’ve noticed that maybe the “when I can” is over done. Meaning, just because I have the time, it doesn’t mean my body and mind need to.
My self-care is taking walks, playing a fun sport outside, reading a book, watching old movies, doing my nails, planning to do absolutely nothing, and not thinking about anything that makes me stressed. It’s hard to do the last one. I try as much as I can to complete all my work before the weekend, so I’m able to mostly chill for it.
Some other ideas of self-care could be taking long showers or baths, exercising, having solo dates, making plans with friends, doing arts and crafts, and learning new recipes. It could be a fun solo game for you to write down all the self-care activities you can do for yourself or with others.
I know that taking time off, if possible, could help reset your mindset. Unfortunately, I understand that it’s not always possible. You can try to figure out how to take time off in a way. For example, like I said for myself earlier, I try to make sure all my work is completed before the weekend- so I have that “break”. Maybe you can try and work a half day depending on your schedule.
Doing nothing is another favorite of mine. A couple months ago I laid on my couch and lazily watched movies. It was sooo needed. Doing nothing can also mean so many other things. For example, just sitting outside and even figuring out a small fun thing to do inside. I feel like “doing nothing” might have a negative connotation. I think it just feels like it’s because we feel like we’re doing nothing “productive”. But you are doing something productive! You’re doing self-care! Just do what makes you feel happy when you can, (that means push it into your schedule somehow).
How to Not Get into a Funk
I wish I can truly help you, but this is on you. Focus on the things you need even before you actually need them. The time, the self-care, and the everything else is so important. Don’t feel bad for what you need.
Think about what you may need to change about your situation that put you in this “mental malfunction”. Talk to someone to help you with this mental equation, if needed. Think about your support system and how they can help you.
Written By,
Eliana Cohn, LSW
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