Quick tips to getting out of a funk

I think most of us are itching for spring and warmer weather. It’s always around this time of year when I really get in a funk and it honestly makes me sad because I have no idea why I’m feeling this way! When I talked a little about it on my Instagram stories I had a really hard time trying to explain it because there truly is nothing wrong other than I am in a funk, and didn’t want to make it come off the wrong way. I was honestly shocked by all the messages that I received from people telling me that they have been feeling this way too! Almost everyone said that they just felt off but couldn’t pin-point it.

This past week I really wanted to put my focus on myself and trying to find a way to not feel off. I know a few of you will agree with me on this, but I felt off with my how I looked and I think that was the biggest thing that bothered me. I can honestly say that getting started was the hardest part but it got easier!

First things first : SELF LOVE

I am all for being selfish when needed. In this case, it’s a total must when you’re feeling down. Sometimes it’s something as small as an at home manicure to give you a boost. I always start with a list of things that I know instantly make me feel more like me! There are so many ways to show yourself some self love too, so don’t limit yourself to just your appearance.

Here is my list!
hair – get rid of the yellow
nails – give yourself a much needed mani pedi
skin – do a refreshing face mask
tan – give yourself a little glow

My hair is a huge thing!!! My natural hair color does not compliment my skin tone – sounds ridiculous, I know. I always like having my hair on the cooler/ashy side and when any shade of gold or yellow starts coming through I do not feel like myself. This change is the easiest!! If you’re a blonde and get this way let some purple shampoo sit on your hair for 10minutes. If this isn’t your issue do a deep conditioning hair mask!

If my nails aren’t decent I get really self conscious over them and find myself hiding my hands. I seriously suck at painting nails so I do tend to set some time aside at the end of the day to really focus on them. I also have terrible cuticles so I really do have to do the whole soak/clip/file routine. I started doing gel manicures at home and have been so happy with the little one-on-one time I’ve been giving myself! Amazon has been a life saver when looking for gel colors. Investing in a light is seriously so worth it if you’re someone that gets their nails done every 2-3 weeks. UV nail light | nail clean up kit | Jojoba nail oil

Sometimes a face mask or a good exfoliator will do wonders on your mood. Especially if it has been a while since you’ve done one. I have mentioned many of times how I do a really in-depth skincare routine every Sunday (read about it here). I’ve noticed that when I don’t do my routine I slack a little on my skin I don’t feel fully clean and in return usually get breakouts and it goes downhill from there.

Lastly, I always do a quick self tanning session. I’m not kidding when I say sometimes a little tan will fix all your problems. There’s something about being tan that automatically sends endporhins through our bodies and instantly puts us in a good mood! I talk all about my favorite self tanners here.

Quality time with yourself.

Even as a homebody who is alone with Laken all the time and never goes out I still like getting that alone time with myself where nobody can interrupt me. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my husband, our daughter, our family and friends, but there are times I need to get away from them and the world. When I get in these funks I tend to want to spend a little more time with myself and that is totally okay!

Take yourself out on a little coffee date: I do this a lot in the mornings before Laken gets up. I’ll stick her in bed with Kyler and take myself on a 40 minute coffee date. It’s peaceful knowing nobody knows where I’m at and even though I am surrounded by the other hundred morning coffee goers I don’t know any of them and am able to sit and relax alone. There are so many cute little coffee houses besides Starbucks and I really recommend branching out and trying one. Since doing this I have found a coffee shop that makes killer avocado toast!

Take yourself out for lunch: I personally love going to little cafes for these kind of things. I stay entirely off of social media when I have these lunches with the exception of sometimes going on Pinterest, because to me that app is pretty calming. My absolute favorite place to go is Nordstrom’s Cafe and getting their cranberry turkey panini. I will seriously sit there for almost an hour just keeping to myself and it’s so nice! I try to do this at least once a month.

Take a half day or a whole day to yourself: Everybody deserves a day to themselves. My husbands idea is to take a little mini vacay with a friend for three days. My idea is to go to the mall and spend hours walking around looking or a day at home to myself to do some home projects or just deep clean and take a nap. Even if I am still doing something it’s nice that I’m alone and I can really enjoy myself. Spending time at a bookstore or even running errands can be relaxing!

Changing your focus

If you’re anything like me during these funks you get super focused on things that stress you out and it all piles up. Changing my focus is new to me and it can be really challenging. In some ways I’ve been successful and in others it’s become a distraction and eventually makes it worse. However, changing my focus to being more positive about something has helped a lot! I’ve also applied this tactic to my personal life and it has helped more than I can express between Kyler and I and when Laken acts up. Don’t limit yourself when changing your focus because it can help in so many ways!

I get super focused on our home. What needs to change, what I don’t like, and things I can’t control. I can’t even begin to tell you how much it stresses me out. I’m not sure what part of me thought it would be a good idea to read a book entirely focused on home decor and finding out your style but it helped more than I ever imagined. It was calming learning about what to look for and it set my mind at ease.

Another way I’ve used this method is by going back and giving something that I’m not very good at a try. If you know me you know I suck at anything that’s made in the kitchen. I’ve been super inspired by Jenna Fischer (Pam from The Office) on Instagram and her love of making bread and then seeing a few other accounts that I decided to give it a go! I made cinnamon rolls and they actually turned out! I’ve now been following recipes and have been pleasantly surprised by what I am capable of! I’m now wanting to try all sorts of things!

I know it’s not much, but I hope I was able to encourage one of you to find a way to break out of that funk! <3

On a more serious note: I knew there was a name for falling into a depression during the winter and after some searching I finally found it – Seasonal Affective Disorder aka. SAD! I had never really looked into it and I think a lot of people fall into this without even realizing it – with having just a few symptoms to maybe having all the signs. I definitely fall into a few of the symptoms and to see if you do you can read more about it here! As always, never be afraid to reach out for help. Your happiness and health is so important.

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