Banish the Blahs: 15 Ways to Bust Out of Your Funk

Fewer things cause me to freak out more than a creative rut. Well, maybe restaurants attached to gas stations and THEN a creative rut, but I digress.  I hit a MAJOR funk a few weeks back and think I finally figured out why.  I’m a fixer, I hate when things feel unsettled.  I want to get to the bottom of it, find a solution, make peace and keep plowing forward.  But sometimes your brain and body just do not get on board with that business.  They want rest and fun and they will get all kinds of defiant until they get some.

After a long stretch of speaking, writing, conferences, and not enough sleep, my brain was, in the worlds of my nearly 2-yr-old nephew, “all done.”  I would sit down to write or edit and would start a paragraph 5x.  And I didn’t like a single one of them.  Then, without warning they would start to all blend together like some kind of psychedelic shift dress from the 60’s and nothing worth hitting publish would materialize.

When words and creativity are a major part of your job, that kind of mental block can feel a little scary.  Leaving  you feeling much like David goes to the Dentist.  “Am I gonna feel like this forever?!” Remember that kid?  #YoutubeFamous

Thankfully, I feel like I’m on the other side of it now and there’s a few things I learned along that way that could help you too.  Feeling stuck in funk, creative or otherwise can make you feel small in a hurry, but you’re not alone and you’re NOT going to “feel like this forever.” Here’s a few things that helped me out:

1. Prayer & the Word:

Shifting my focus to the Lord, His love, His grandeur, His sovereignty, and His nearness puts everything in perspective quickly. He is the ultimate creative; the end all be all creator of all things.  He is tender with our weakness and at the same time, the spiritual fuel needed to propel us forward.

 

2. Worship Music:

Magnifying the Creator in a creative way? #spoton Also, there’s something soul soothing about singing truth over yourself and over your situation.  Especially if you’re thoughts go negative when you’re in a funk, you need a dose of truth to bring your thoughts back into right alignment.

 

3. Upbeat Music:

Sometimes, you’ve just got to go all T-Swift and shake it off, literally.  Music that makes you smile and dance connects you to a younger and free-er version of yourself. So go ahead and crank up your Spotify.  You can check out our workout playlist to get you going.

 

4. Phone a friend:

I have a short list of my people on speed dial when I need a boost.  Whether it’s shifting perspective, making my world larger than me, or just connecting to other people that know when I need a boost or a break.

 

5. Sleep:

Author Dr. Travis Bradberry says you need 7-9 hours to be at your creative best.  That doesn’t come naturally to most creatives, Coffee does, but sleep does not. Learn to actually listen to your body sometimes and turn in a little earlier.

 

6. Take a day off that isn’t productive:

Yes, I know how hard this is.  I’m really not good at it, but soul care could be exactly what you need right now. Give yourself permission to put the breaks on.

Do you know what fuels you? Do you remember a time before you were 100% concerned with being productive and caring for the needs of other people that you actually just did something because it made you feel more alive?  Go do that thing.  It might seems silly and non-essential in your big important life, but I promise, if you carve out a little time for you, the people in your life will benefit from it as well 😉

 

7. Get Outside:

Nature! I always feel like I’m returning to a better version of myself after a walk in the park, a run on a trail or being anywhere remotely near water.

 

8. Read non self-help:

Because most likely what you need right now isn’t to be better, it’s to take a break.

 

9. Listen to an interview:

We not only need each other, but we need each other’s stories because they can serve as fuel for our own.  If you’ve never heard our story, I’d be so honored for you to listen to it out here.

10. Do something artistic that ISN’T what you’re stuck on:

For example, if you’re a writer, try painting something. And yes, spray paint counts 😉 It doesn’t need to be “good” it just needs to be for you. Try stretching a totally different completely unrelated muscle in your brain and just see if that doesn’t give you a fresh approach.

 

11. Get dressed in something that makes you feel confident:

I get it, all things baggy and grey sound like your best friend right now, but they are not. Run from them, tuck them away for the next time your get the flu and put on something that puts an extra spring in your step.  And if your a girl, throw on a little lipstick while you’re at it. A drugstore tube may just brighten your mood #poet

12. Get Off Social Media:

I’m a social media fan because I love connecting with people. But when you’re in a funk, you’re less likely to connect and more likely to get caught in the Comparison Trap of mindless scrolling. Take a few to unplug.

 

13. Exercise:

The endorphin’s will boost your brain power and when you accomplish something physically, you feel like you can accomplish something mentally. Here’s a few workouts & some tips to get you started.

 

14. Clean & Organize Something:

Start small, gain control over one area and move on.  Never underestimate the power of organizing your junk drawer. 🙂

 

15. Laugh:

Laughter can completely change our perspective and remind us not to take ourselves quite so seriously. Preacher-Choir. 😉

With that in mind, we’re always on the hunt for funny and clean shows. Parks & Rec is what’s currently making us laugh. And remember when we told you about the Heads up app here?  Still a fav. Also if neither one of those do it for you, just let Jessica and her Daily Affirmations once again bring a smile to your face.

Being in a funk is never fun, but don’t let it make you feel small. You’re a human and it’s going to happen, but you can control how long you let yourself stay there.  I hope one of these 15 will be just the thing to help bust you out of your next rut.  What ways have you found work best for you?

Until next time,

Meg

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