Bad days happen. Here are 9 strategies to be happier when you’re stuck in a funk (that don’t involve food or shopping).
I don’t care who you are, we’ve all had those days where the universe is totally conspiring against us. Or you’ve had the equally frustrating, “perfectly fine day,” but you’ve fallen in a funk and can’t get up. It feels like a cartoon rain cloud is following you around and you just can’t find your usual sunshine.
When you’re highly in-tune with your emotional and mental health, bad days can feel like an extra blow. Personally, I’m quite aware when I’m not feeling good… and I hate that feeling. Usually there’s an extra layer of frustration, precisely because I’m not happy. Can you say counter productive? There’s so much to experience and enjoy, when a bad day robs you of the positive energy you need, the negativity can spiral.
So over the past couple years, I’ve practiced various strategies for the days that I really feel like I’m in a funk that a simple pep talk or cute dog video can’t fix.
*just a note: in this post I’m not dealing with depression, which is a much more serious mental health issue. If you’re worried you may be dealing with depression talk to your doctor*
9 strategies to be happier when you’re stuck in a funk
Step 1: Be Aware
What’s the story?
It takes a lot of time and practice to be aware of your moods and then be able to pinpoint their origin. First you’ve got to understand where your baseline happiness is at, then see how far off you are. I find that sitting with my feelings and trying to figure out why, can help me decide if I’m upset about something I can change or if I should try to brush it off. And ladies, I bring this up because it’s real – look at your calendar. I’ve wasted many an hour being in a mini rage only to realize that it’s just my hormones doing their thing. Sometimes the awareness alone, can help me channel that anger/sadness/annoyance into something more positive.
Zoom Out, Find perspective
One of my favorite sayings for bad days is “a bad day doesn’t equal a bad life.” It’s so true. Some tough days I can feel like my whole life is falling apart, when just the day before I was on top of the world. Know that you’re not crazy, you’re not alone and ultimately you’ll be ok.
[Tweet “Bad days happen… here’s how to help yourself feel better”]
Step 2: Channel Your Energy into Something Positive
Spend time in nature
Whether you totally unplug or you bring along a favorite podcast or playlist, taking a walk in nature has a way of helping everything fall into place. If I’m really feeling the feels I’ll try to get to the ocean (luckily I have one about 2 miles from my house). I couldn’t tell you how or why it always works, but somehow I always end up feeling more grateful, centered and humbled after a little nature action.
Get off social media
In a bad mood? Don’t you dare touch Instagram. Seriously, even on the best of days social media can spike feelings of jealousy and comparison. In a bad mood? I promise you nothing good will come out of a scroll through your feed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sad and scrolled through my feed just to feel worse about myself. In fact, while you’re at it, turn your phone on do not disturb or airplane mode. You just don’t need it right now.
Clean your space
I might be crazy, but when I’m feeling out of control, or sad, or frustrated, cleaning makes me feel better. It’s something that I can almost immediately see results from. Plus, the act of putting things in their place and cleaning off surfaces clears my head along with my room (or kitchen or bathroom.) While you’re at it, light a candle. Nothing sends out good vibes like your favorite smell and a pretty flickering light.
Sweat
I know you’ve heard this one before… probably because it’s true. Just like nature, exercising in a way you enjoy – be it cycling, running, yoga-ing or walking, has some magical power over our moods. I can almost guarantee you’ll feel better and if not, at least your body will thank you for taking care of it.
Get a Hug
Sounds too simple? Maybe it is. But a big, long, embrace feels amazing no matter what mood you’re in. This past year I’ve really embraced hugging *see what I did there*. I was once a hug skeptic, but now there’s no going back. And I know I’m happier for it. Telling someone you need a hug not only helps you, but it makes the hug giver feel special too. When it doubt, hug it out.
talk (or write) it out
It’s crazy how many times I’ve had a problem brewing like a storm in my head, only to talk it out and realize everything will be fine. It’s amazing how writing or talking can immediately throw into perspective something that felt so huge in your mind.
Laugh and/or Dance
If I start to feel myself taking life too seriously all I need to do is start dancing. This works for both laughing and dancing because of how stupid I look. I can usually crack myself up in less than 30 seconds. Bonus: make someone else’s day brighter by filming your dance on snapchat and sending it along 😉
Your Turn:
What’s your go-to happiness move when you’re having a tough day? Leave a comment below <3
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I love this Georgie! My go-tos are: go on a walk (totally agree with your #2, but wish I had an ocean ?) , take a shower (something about getting all clean helps me SO MUCH, and if all else fails –> take a nap
Love the nap – sometimes that’s all you can do and it’s alright
I love this! My favorite way to get out of a bad mood is to take a walk by the ocean, that really calms me down and helps put things in perspective 🙂
Absolutely! Anywhere you go that makes you realize the world is huge
Love this SO MUCH Georgie!! For me it’s been hard not to turn to snacking, especially when my period hormones are raging, but I love going for a quick walk or watching The Office. Jim and Pam’s relationship always makes me feel better.
Omgosh yes, I should have added in the office because that always makes me feel better
That list is so good! Cleaning my house actually really does make me feel better, I didn’t realize it was that way for others!
Just yesterday, exercise (teaching Jazzercise) was my mood booster. It ALWAYS helps, though it’s one of the hardest ones on the list to find motivation for when in a funk!
Huge amen on that social media part. I’ve recently discovered that scrolling through IG is seriously one of the WORST things ever for getting out of a funk. So so so not helpful!
Oh totally – it’s so hard to get yourself to work out when you’re not feeling great but it almost always helps improve your mood
For me working out or just taking some “me time” to watch reality tv or a funny movie helps so much!
Watching a comedy movie or show always picks me up a little – love it!
Amen to all of this… Laughing, getting out in God’s creation, dancing, being quiet, working out, and … actually surprise surprise sometimes I do love to get on social media to just be encouraged by people like you Georgie; each person I follow on social media is truly encouraging, but some times I need to get off too; it all depends on the funk that I’m in that day.
And cleaning? it’s so therapeutic. It’s quiet and slow and fun. 🙂
Absolutely – it can be a great force or a discouraging one – you just need to know where you’re at that day
I had one of those funky weeks last week and reading this totally inspired me <3 it's so true, we all have those days where we are in a funk and we don't know why. Even just gaining a little perspective is so helpful. Banana icecream is one of my favorite cures 🙂
Oh man banana ice cream is so dope! I’m so so glad this helped Abbi <3
I love the disconnecting and I love getting a hug…A big, powerful, and long loving hug can do wonders! A long walk outside with Lucy is a good cure all for those poopy days and so is a good cup of coffee with a friend. I find those “talk it out sessions” are always helpful. I think it just helps to be in the presence of someone who you know cares about your well being! XOXO