Happy Saturday, ladies (with an emphasis on the happy)!
If you're anything like me, every now and then you seem to get into a 'funk' that you just can't get out of. They can last anywhere from a couple of hours to months. For me these funks can include having to drag myself out of bed, lack of motivation to do thing that need to get done and no feeling like getting out or seeing friends. We've all been there, some worse than others, but we can all relate!
Before I get into some ways I've discovered dealing with these feelings, let me give you a quick snapshot of my life. From September to the end of December I was working at a job that was sucking the life out of me. Now don't get me wrong- I loved the work and my coworkers, but the commute and the hours were killing me. Thus, in December when my contract came up, I decided I would part ways. Fast forward 2 months and I have yet to start a new job. I get anxious at the thought of applying to positions, I am lacking motivation to seek out new opportunities and worse yet, my bank account is dwindling because of it. Now don't get me wrong, I am a very positive person by nature, but for some reason I have found myself in this funk.
Lucky for me I have slowly been discovering various ways to deal with my minor depression/anxiety and I feel like I am on my way out and hopefully some of my tips will help anyone finding themselves in the same boat as me. Let's get to it!
1. Get moving
It doesn't matter if you hit up the gym, go for a walk outside, or make a date with Jillian Michaels and your DVD player, the bottom line is to get moving. One of my favourite resources is FREE online workout videos via YouTube and my go-to channel is Tone it Up. These ladies know what they're talking about and they are so beautiful. I'm also loving a new app I've discovered called "Moves". It uses your phone's GPS technology to track the distance you have walked. I am so obsessed with this! I even try and beat my distance each time. I've been walking everywhere!
Exercise can have amazing benefits to not only the body, but also the mind. When you exercise your body releases natural endorphins which are basically feel-good chemicals. If you start by moving your body just a little bit every day you will start feeling a huge difference in your mood and outlook every day.
2. Get outside
Just the act of being outside can brighten your mood. Even though it's still snowy and cold here in Canada, getting outside and breathing in the cool fresh air really makes a difference. Try getting outside for AT LEAST 15 minutes each day. Leave the computer screen at home and your phone tucked away in your pocket and try to truly enjoy being outside.
3. Write down your goals
This is one of the best motivational tips I have come across. By writing out your goals each and every day you will be constantly reminded of them. By visually seeing them written down they become even more real. Also try reciting them out loud and really visualize them coming true. I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking and when you can visualize your dreams, you will see them come true before your eyes.
In addition to this, I have recently come across the tip of writing your goals out in the present, as if they are already true. So instead of writing down, "I will lose 10 pounds by summer" write, for example, "I weigh 115 on July 1, 2013." By writing down your goals in the present, it causes your mind to shift the way it's currently working and start making decisions your 115 pound self would make. It's like magic!
4. Try something completely new
By getting out of your current routine and comfort zone, you will be amazed at what you might find. Try taking a community art class, join a recreational sports team or even something as simple as making a coffee date with a friend you haven't seen in months. By shaking up your routine a bit and putting yourself out there you could open doors to possibilities that you never even knew existed.
5. Nourish your mind and body
How you fule your body, believe it or not, has a direct correlation to how you feel emotionally. Have you even craved a huge slice of doughy, cheesy pepperoni pizza and your so excited to gobble it up, only to find tha afterwards you feel slugish, tired and all you feel like doing is watching Netflix for the rest of the day? I'm sure we've all been there!
Instead, feel your body the foods you know it naturally craves like colourful fruits and vegetables and lean protein. By feeding your body natural, whole food after a week or so you will notice you have more energy to conquer the day.
6. Seek out inspiration
Finally, if you find that you are lacking inspiration or motivation, go out and find it! There are a million self-help books, CDs, Pod casts and even blogs that focus on self-development and self discovery. Lately I have been trying to read/listen just a little bit each day from a book that motivates me. Some of my favourites include:
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne (Basically the user's guide to positive thinking!)
The Secret (Film) (Includes great interviews and stories and I think it's available on NetFlix!)
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
Awakening the Giant Within by Anthony Robbins (This is also available in an audio version, which I highly suggest- his voice alone "awakens" you lol)
I hope you will find some of these tips helpful and useful in your own life. Even if you don't find yourself in a 'funk' per say, following some of these tips will allow you to be even happier each and every day.
What are some things you do when your feeling down? Let me know!
Lots of love,
Jess
