Skip to content
  • HOME
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
  • HOME
  • custom-logo
  • THE DREAMER
    • CONTACT
  • DISCLOSURES
Life

12 Ways to Pull Yourself Out of a Funk

March 16, 2018March 16, 2018 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 18 comments
12 Ways to Pull Yourself Out of a Funk

Happy Friday, everyone! Except that… I’m not feeling very happy today. I’m not unhappy, I’m just… discontent. In a funk. I’m fine and it will pass, but… I just wanted to have share these feelings that I’m living with today, because we all get them. What was it for me? I read some news articles at the beginning of the week that left me feeling pretty down. I think it’s so common these days. We’re exposed to so much heartache–even things that, before the age of the internet–we wouldn’t have encountered. And then there are those stories that just hit you hard. I read one of those this week, then read another one that shattered my heart even more, and now I’m just scanning headlines so I know what’s happening in the world until I recover. That, combined with a few other things and ended with an encounter that started my day yesterday and left me frustrated and even more exhausted than I already felt, has left me in a funk. The “I don’t want to see or talk to anyone” kinda funk. If you need further proof of the funk, it’s currently noon on Friday and I have yet to open the blinds, much to Mina’s chagrin. She would love to bark at whoever is walking by the house that she can’t see but she just knows deep down is there, whether they actually are or not.

What better time to write about pulling yourself out of a funk than when you're actually in one? Today I'm sharing 12 ways to boost your mood and pull yourself out of a funk, inspired by the one I've been in this week! // dreams-etc.com

Since I’m in a funk, I thought I would reschedule the post I had initially planned to share today and instead share a few ways to pull yourself out a funk. If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you know that I believe in feeling all the feels, even the negative ones. But I also believe if you’re not feeling positive about things, you need be aware of how long they last and pull yourself out of them before they drag you down. Sometimes it takes a little bit of work.

So, here are 12 ways to pull yourself out of a funk.

What better time to write about pulling yourself out of a funk than when you're actually in one? Today I'm sharing 12 ways to boost your mood and pull yourself out of a funk, inspired by the one I've been in this week! // dreams-etc.com

1 // Savor a comforting ritual. Make a cup of coffee or tea and sit with it for awhile, instead of rushing out the door with your travel mug. Is there a breakfast that you love, but don’t enjoy every day? Take the time to make it and enjoy it. Don’t have time? If you have a few extra minutes, stop at a coffee shop and pick up your fave fancy coffee drink.

[Tweet “If you’re in a funk, take time to savor a comforting a ritual.”]

2 // If you stop at a coffeeshop, pay for the person behind you! I did this back in December and it definitely lifted my mood. If you want to control how much you spend on the person behind you, put it on a gift card that you can hand over to the cashier. The cool thing is, if the person behind you doesn’t use up the full amount, it continues until it runs out!

3 // Pet a dog. Studies have shown that petting dogs releases feel-good hormones and can lower stress and blood pressure. We have comfort dogs for a reason.

What better time to write about pulling yourself out of a funk than when you're actually in one? Today I'm sharing 12 ways to boost your mood and pull yourself out of a funk, inspired by the one I've been in this week! // dreams-etc.com

4 // Speaking of comfort of dogs or animals, sometimes doing a little something for someone else can make your day. Do you know of an organization that sends out comfort dogs–or other animals–to people who need them? There are so many great organizations that provide comfort animals–or even assistance dogs to one person. I personally follow many of the LCC Comfort Dogs on Faceboook and I know someone who has greatly benefited from a dog from Helping Paws. Even the smallest donation is appreciated and you can help provide someone with the comfort you receive if you’re a pet owner.

5 // Read a book. Getting lost in a new world can pull you out of your own and take away some of that stress. That’s one of the magical powers fiction has.

6 // Schedule in time for one of your favorite hobbies. I haven’t painted for a long time, but it’s something that always relaxes me when I just let go and let the paint spread across the page. I’m going to schedule in time for painting this weekend.

7 // Remove one of your stressors from your life. If it’s Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, don’t open the apps. If it’s habit, log out of your account or delete the app. It doesn’t have to be permanent–just until it won’t drag you down again. I temporarily deactivated an email account from my phone.

[Tweet “If you’re feeling frustrated and stressed from social media or email, it’s OK to stop checking throughout the day.”]

8 // Think about what you’re thankful for. Gratitude journaling is a great way to put everything into perspective. Even if you’re dealing with crappy situations, there are things to be thankful for. While I’m not dealing with anything really negative in my life (gratitude #1!), I need to look for places of joy when I’m feeling down. For me it’s been: Mina (obviously), spending time with my niece last night at her school’s talent show, getting hugs from a bunch of students I used to work with, and talking about Harry Potter with my niece and nephew since they’re both finally reading the series(!!!).

9 // Watch your favorite movie. Bonus points if it’s one that will make you laugh or take you on an adventure.

What better time to write about pulling yourself out of a funk than when you're actually in one? Today I'm sharing 12 ways to boost your mood and pull yourself out of a funk, inspired by the one I've been in this week! // dreams-etc.com

10 // Go for a walk. Get outside, breathe fresh air, and enjoy nature. I would take it a step further and say go someplace outside of your neighborhood if you can. Find a walking trail or a lake that you can walk around. If the world seems a little too peopley, you can take breaks when you see others coming to take in the view!

11 // Get ready. And go all out with makeup. I’ve found that even though I often don’t want to, once I take that time to put makeup on (something I truly enjoy) really lifts me up and makes me feel better!

12 // Exercise. I guess this kinda goes hand in hand with a walk, but I see the walk as a way to get out of your usual environment and take in some fresh air, as opposed to working out, which really gets your body moving. My faves: kickboxing and dance. When you’re frustrated, punching and kicking can help release some of those pent-up emotions. If you dance, be sure to dance like no one’s watching to make it even more fun! I’m totally picturing Phoebe Buffay dancing right now. “You dance at dance class!”

[Tweet “In a funk? Dance it out! Just make sure you dance like no one’s watching!”]

If you’re looking for a place to start, I highly recommend watching the video I linked in that last one. I’m already smiling. And now I need to get ready so that I can head out to pick up a few plants and get them home before I have to pick up my niece and nephew from school.

What do you when you’re in a funk? And who are you when you dance: Phoebe, Rachel, or Monica?

[Tweet “12 Ways to Pull Yourself Out of a Funk”]

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

Post navigation

Where We Can Find Inspirational Women (+ 5 Who Inspire Me)
6 Ways to Beat Distractions + Focus on What You Love

18 comments

  1. Charlene Maugeri says:
    March 16, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    Oh girl. I hear you about the media articles bringing you down! Also, these are some great ideas for getting out of a funk. I particularly like the petting a dog and reading a book! Those are my favorite things to do when I’m feeling down.

    Reply
  2. Harmony at Momma To Go says:
    March 16, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    these are great suggestions I am a fan of a book and/or a bath. Especially important to stay off social media when you are in a funk. we all get them!

    Reply
  3. Akaleistar says:
    March 16, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    I’ve been in a funk this week, too, so I’ve been escaping into a few good books šŸ™‚

    Reply
  4. Courtney Buechle says:
    March 16, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    I have been in a total funk lately so these are great tips, I totally have been escaping to books but man does a bath sound good!

    Reply
  5. Amanda says:
    March 16, 2018 at 3:12 pm

    Love these! It’s hard NOT to be in a funk for me during winter… but these are great tips… working on reading more

    Reply
  6. Beth_Daily_Dog_Tag says:
    March 16, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    These are all great suggestions. I was in a bit of a funk from some disappointing news last night. However, today was a big day for my son and his friends and I was part of the celebration. I was able to put my stuff aside and just be happy for them. Truthfully, going out was probably the best thing for me because I couldn’t think about my stuff at all.

    Reply
  7. Leah Schulz says:
    March 16, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    What a great idea for a post. I always find that a bubble bath and a little pampering always relaxes me and helps my mood. Also, getting great sleep helps. http://misspettigrewreview.com/2018/03/16/dermalogica-sound-sleep-cocoon-review-world-sleep-day/ xo, Miss Pettigrew

    Reply
  8. Shahla Sandoval says:
    March 16, 2018 at 7:47 pm

    These are such good ideas. Twitter gets me down or upset. I have stopped going on there as much and especially not before I sleep.

    Reply
  9. Denise // The Elle Aesthetic says:
    March 16, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    YES, this is part of the reason I kick my butt into gear to work out! It clears my mind just as much as it helps my body. I’ll have to remember that the next time I want to skip šŸ™‚

    Reply
  10. Erica @ Coming up Roses says:
    March 17, 2018 at 11:18 am

    I swear paying for the coffee behind me ALWAYS makes my entire day, besides making theirs…it legit WORKS!

    Reply
  11. Adriana says:
    March 17, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    These are great tips!! Doing one small thing really can turn your mood around!

    Reply
  12. Cristina says:
    March 18, 2018 at 11:06 am

    Oh, yes… petting a doggo always helps me!
    I don’t have to pet them, simply seeing a dog improves my mood. I’m kind of a dog-maniac…

    Reply
  13. Amanda Rosson says:
    March 19, 2018 at 12:10 am

    These are great! I tend to get in a funk myself quite often. When I do, I always try to do something for someone else even if it’s something small. Making them feel better helps me feel better šŸ™‚

    Reply
  14. Maryal says:
    March 19, 2018 at 9:14 am

    I love all of these! These are such awesome suggestions and reminders. I always find that just doing something, anything really helps. Staying stationary is what perpetuates the funk for me. Awesome post!

    Reply
  15. Susannah says:
    March 19, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    These are such fantastic tips! They certainly would help for a funky mood! <3

    Reply
  16. Marci Smith says:
    March 19, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    When I’m In a funk, I go through super old pictures. It makes me smile to remember all of the happy things I took pictures of.

    Reply
  17. Melissa Marie says:
    March 20, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    Great list! I definitely do all of these things already. I also like to hang out with friends… They are usually funny enough to pull me out of it or distract me with their stories.

    Reply
  18. Chelsea Jacobs says:
    March 27, 2018 at 9:55 am

    a book and a good cup of coffee always help me!

    Reply

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

If only we always remembered to be in touch with o If only we always remembered to be in touch with our loved ones regularly; to tell them that we love them.

This thought has been on my mind the last few weeks as I’ve been in touch with one of my best friends almost daily. They’ve been navigating a scary situation.

But that’s what everyone says, isn’t it? Reach out to those you love. Tell them you love them. Don’t let a lot of time pass.

We all know that. We think about it sometimes. We hear about it when others are in crisis. We’re thankful that we aren’t the ones in crisis and we can remember this lesson through someone else.

But eventually we get caught up in life. Our daily ā€œI love you’sā€ are reserved for those we live with and sometimes we forget to text someone back… or it takes a few days to do so.

This week as I wondered why we don’t remember this more often I realized it’s probably a good thing. It’s a good thing that we can live life without worrying that tragedy is right around the corner. That would be an exhausting way to live.

It’s also good that we can get little reminders, sometimes not from our own life. So from someone who spent one week numb, another week weepy, and this week sad, remember to send your friends a text. Tell them you love them.
I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
See More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

  • Saying Goodbye to Crystal the Writer
  • The Day the Sorcerers Visited Baby Jesus
  • Thoughts on Hope
  • Christmas Playlist // 2022
  • Life Under Construction

CATEGORIES

  • Adventures (52)
  • Beauty (16)
  • Books (147)
  • Creativity (57)
  • Entertainment (18)
  • Life (224)
  • Uncategorized (539)
  • Wellness (8)

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING?

Follow
  • Book Review Policy
  • BOOKS
  • Contact
  • DISCLOSURES
  • Insta Links
  • Seint Links
  • THE DREAMER
Copyright © 2023 | All Rights Reserved | Ā© 2023. All text and photos belong to Crystal Brutlag, unless otherwise stated. Theme designed by Little Theme Shop: https://littlethemeshop.com

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Dreams, etc. // Minneapolis Lifestyle Blog
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.